Fly Me to the Moon, directed by Greg Berlanti, is an exciting blend of drama and romance that explores the complexities of ambition, power, and personal connections against the backdrop of a high-stakes space mission.
The story revolves around Kelly Jones, played by Scarlett Johansson, a formidable marketing specialist whose reputation for being ruthlessly effective precedes her. Kelly is hired to manage the public relations aspect of a critical space mission, led by the meticulous and driven launch director, Cole Davis, played by Channing Tatum. The dynamic between Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson is one of the film’s highlights.
Their characters, initially at odds due to their different approaches to the mission, develop a complex and captivating relationship throughout the plot. The scenes shared by the two actors are intense and electrifying, with sharp dialogues and chemistry that keeps the audience engaged. Tatum and Johansson manage to convey the evolution of their characters organically, transitioning from antagonists to partners with aligned interests, and perhaps something deeper. From the start, it is clear that their partnership is fraught with tensions. Kelly’s aggressive marketing strategies clash with Cole’s methodical approach to mission planning, creating a dynamic that keeps the audience on their toes.
The relationship between Cole and Kelly, though interesting and full of potential, ends up taking a backseat amid the critical events of the space mission. The film chooses to focus more on the pressures and challenges they both face in their respective roles. The romantic interactions between the two characters are subtle and rarely become the focal point of the scenes. Instead of a fiery romance, the film presents a connection that develops more discreetly and contained, perhaps reflecting the priority and gravity of the mission they are involved in.
This narrative choice, to keep the romance less intense, can be seen in two ways. On one hand, it allows the film to stand out as a more realistic and focused drama, giving more room to explore the technical and emotional aspects of the space mission. On the other hand, those expecting a more prominent love story might feel a bit disappointed with the lack of explicit passion between the protagonists, which in my view ends up being a negative point because the film itself is marketed as a romantic comedy.
The film also addresses the famous theory that the moon landing was faked, which emerged shortly after the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Skeptics argue that NASA, under pressure during the space race against the Soviet Union, staged the landing in a film studio. Among the “evidence” presented by conspiracy theorists are the supposed absence of stars in lunar photos, inconsistent shadows, and the movement of the American flag, which appears to flutter despite the lack of wind on the moon. The film does an excellent job of balancing moments of high tension with intelligent humor.
The dramatic scenes, where the space mission faces technical and political obstacles, are intense and well-executed, keeping the audience entertained at all times. In contrast, the comedic moments, often centered on the interactions between Kelly and Cole or Kelly’s attempts to manipulate the public by staging a fake moon landing, offer great comic relief. For example, the way Kelly tries to deal with Cole while secretly faking the moon landing at the behest of Moe Berkus, played by Woody Harrelson, creates great moments that elicit many laughs.
The soundtrack of “Fly Me to the Moon,” though competent, does not stand out as one of the film’s highlights. Composed of predictable melodies and generic orchestral arrangements, the music fulfills its role of accompanying the scenes without, however, adding an extra layer of emotion or distinction. In a film that mixes drama and comedy, the soundtrack could have been a powerful tool to intensify the comedic moments or amplify the dramatic tension.
However, it remains quite conventional, providing a musical background that does not distract but also does not significantly enrich the cinematic experience. The absence of memorable themes or a strong sonic identity makes the soundtrack easily forgettable. Greg Berlanti, known for his prolific work in television (The Flash and Arrow), directs “Fly Me to the Moon” with an approach that, while solid, does not present remarkable innovations. Berlanti is efficient in orchestrating the scenes and extracting good performances from the actors, especially Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson.
However, his direction follows a rather traditional formula, without stylistic risks or bringing anything new to the genre. Berlanti manages to balance the elements of drama and comedy, creating a consistent rhythm that keeps the narrative fluid. He is skilled at creating tension-filled scenes and knows how to handle the moments of comic relief to prevent the film from becoming overly heavy. However, his direction lacks a personal or distinctive touch that could make the film stand out among similar productions. Although Berlanti’s direction is competent, it does not bring a visual or narrative signature that makes it memorable. The camera choices are conventional, without bold movements or creative framing.
The narrative is conducted in a linear and predictable manner, without surprises or twists that challenge the audience. Fly Me to the Moon is a film that, while benefiting from the strong performances of its protagonists and an interesting script, is hindered by a generic soundtrack and direction that does not dare to innovate. Greg Berlanti conducts the narrative efficiently but without imprinting a unique and memorable style. The soundtrack does the basics but fails to elevate the film to a higher level. Fly Me to the Moon is an enjoyable and engaging experience but could have benefited from more boldness and creativity in its technical and artistic aspects.
Fly Me To The Moon releases in theaters on July 12.
