For some reason, the filmmakers behind this fictionalized take on the moon landing decided that the romantic-comedy approach is the way to compel its audience. Imagine if Ron Howard and his writers envisioned a take on the Apollo 13 story that needed something extra to rivet its audiences by injecting into its story an amusing romance story to give the movie a little extra oomph! This idea is what frustrated me as I sat through this film. The space race story has its own genuine share of compelling stories, but Fly Me To The Moon takes an extra leap that feels like a jump over the proverbial shark.
Scarlett Johannson stars as Kelly Jones, a talented mind who can help sell just about anything. After scoring a big success with a major auto company, Kelly is tasked by the U.S. government to help “sell” the American public the idea that the space program is still a formidable force and a worthy cause, even though our nation is undergoing much political turmoil.
Channing Tatum stars as Cole Davis, a former pilot turned project leader for NASA’s mission to the moon. Already beleaguered with the nearly impossible challenge of safely accomplishing the mission, Davis must now contend with the new challenges imposed by Jones as she attempts to make the moon mission a financially viable reality and a popular goal among the general public.
To be honest, this concept alone feels very realistic, considering American culture. However, the filmmakers of this movie decided to include a very rote relationship story to “raise” the stakes. Raise the stakes!? It is as if the challenges of pulling off the moon mission program already need more struggles and problems! This movie is an absolute insult to the hard work and calculations of the NASA team to pull off this incredible feat of humanity.
While the movie has its amusing and entertaining moments, it is most intriguing when it focuses on the accomplishments of the people who made the moon landing an amazing success. As far as the romantic-comedy element is concerned, I feel that both Johannson and Tatum share a believable chemistry; however, this relationship element does not belong in this type of movie.
The rest of the cast performs admirably, but I cannot fathom why they would agree to act in what is an indignity of a story. The fact that filmmakers would even entertain the idea of a “backup” fake moon landing is horrible, given the sacrifices of the people working for the space program. I cannot recommend this movie whatsoever. If anyone wishes to watch a charming romantic comedy, plenty of those do not sully the fantastic work of NASA and its scientists and astronauts.