This crazy conspiracy theory has been around for decades, and it’s hard to decide which is weirder: that people still believe it today, or that Hollywood looked at this outlandish idea and decided to make it into a romantic comedy.
Such is the case with “Fly Me To The Moon”, starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, a charming new film which combines love and lunar missions.
Set in the swinging 60s, the film introduces audiences to crafty marketing specialist Kelly Jones (Johansson), who is recruited by shady government agent Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson) for her greatest mission: advertising the Apollo moon mission.
Jaded by recent events, most Americans are sceptical about the need for space travel, and it is Jones’s job to change everyone’s minds.
This means rebranding Nasa, making it cool and hip, where everyone wants to rock it on a rocket.
In the course of her work, Jones encounters Cole Davis (Tatum), a no-nonsense former astronaut turned Nasa director, who just wants to get his men on the moon without any fuss.
He and Jones immediately clash. And you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to guess what happens next!
Complicating matters is Berkus, who tasks Jones with staging a fake moon landing to fool the world if the real mission fails. Certainly, a lunar-tic plan: but what happens if it is discovered?
Directed by Greg Berlanti (Love Simon, Arrow, Supergirl), “Fly Me To The Moon” is an entertaining watch, with many nice moments of comedy. Tatum’s and Johansson’s characters have a fun dynamic, and watching them interact is a treat.
The film’s story is light and predictable, but in the best possible way: sometimes it’s just nice to watch crazy antics, without having to ponder weighty or philosophical themes. Those seeking the dark side of the moon certainly won’t find it here.
While its plot revolves around true events, don’t expect much historical realism here: just treat this as an entertaining reimagining of history.
It’s depiction of the Apollo moon missions is probably as accurate as the show Bridgerton ’s depiction of the British Regency era.
The acting is good: to paraphrase the famous song, “Fly Me to The Moon” excels at playing with its stars.
According to news reports, Chris Evans was originally supposed to be the film’s male lead before dropping out due to scheduling conflicts. Imagine an unofficial Captain America-Black Widow romance: Marvel fans would have had a field day!
As it is though, Tatum does a decent job as Cole Davis: while he can be a little stiff sometimes, this stiffness sort of works with his character’s straight-edged rigidness.
Jim Rash seems to be enjoying himself playing Lance Vespertine, the flighty director recruited to fake the moon landing, while the ever-dependable Woody Harrelson succeeds in making Moe Berkus both sinister and humorous.
The film belongs, however, to Johansson. The star actress infuses Jones with so much charm that it’s difficult not to root for her, even when she gets involved in shady shenanigans.
Watching the ridiculous things Jones does to get her way (including changing accents and personalities to endear herself to different people) is definitely the highlight of the film.
Overall, “Fly Me To The Moon” is a fun watch. It may not quite fill your heart with song, or make you sing forevermore. But it’s breezy and charming, and a good choice for a date or family night out.
‘Fly Me To The Moon’ begins screening in cinemas nationwide from today.