In Fly Me to the Moon, it is the early 1960s and Kelly Jones is a leading expert in marketing. She’s resourceful, inventive, incredibly creative, and damn good at her job.
One day, while enjoining a drink at the bar, Kelly is approached by a representative for the US President. The Government is looking for someone skilled enough to sell the benefits of NASA to the public, and they believe Kelly is the perfect candidate.
After accepting the assignment, Kelly travels to Florida to work on improving NASA’s image, as the organisation embarks on its mission to the Moon. However, as Kelly gets to work, she encounters pushback from NASA big cheese, Cole Davis.
Directed by Greg Berlanti, and starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, Fly Me to the Moon is a historical romantic comedy drama. The film is new to UK and US cinemas from today, and is a good natured, extremely likeable picture, driven by a robust script and two charismatic leads.
Despite what you might assume this movie is, based on the posters you will have seen on billboards or on the side of buses, this isn’t some daft, throwaway rom-com that you’ll forget as soon as you’ve watched it. Instead, Fly Me to the Moon is a well-executed, carefully constructed period piece with a slick story.
The movie delves into US history, to discuss the Moon landing, and the hard work and secrecy surrounding this important mission. Part of the movie also looks at the concept of faking the landing, with Kelly roped in to pull it all off.
The Moon landing is a significant point in the history of the world, and this film ensures this is highlighted and integral to the picture. Don’t be fooled into thinking this film is just some contrived vehicle for Johansson and Tatum to get it on, because it isn’t.
Although when it comes to Johansson and Tatum, they sure are a big draw in this picture. Both are on fine form, with the former playing Kelly with absolute gusto, and the latter proving to be ever reliable as Cole.
The actors simply shine on screen, whether they are sharing the limelight or not. They prove to be a safe pair of hands and are wickedly funny to boot.
Director Greg Berlanti and the casting team chose well. Fly Me to the Moon may have worked equally well with alternate leads, but I believe it hits many of the right notes because of Johansson and Tatum.
If there is any real issue with Fly Me to the Moon it’s simply that the film is a little too long. Not to the point where it ever drags, but maybe a couple of trims here and there wouldn’t hurt, making it a touch more sprightly in the process
However, this is a minor grumble, as Fly Me to the Moon is a damn fine picture. The film is a humorous and heartfelt callback to the past and the sort of movie they don’t make often enough these days.
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