“Fly Me to the Moon”: Old-School Romance Still Works

Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum star in this romantic film, directed by Greg Berlanti.

scarlett johansson channing tatum fly me to the moon

Summary

Prior to the launch of the Apollo 11, in the late 1960s, marketing professional Kelly Jones is hired to improve NASA’s public image. Her bold approach to the project will bring some hostility from Cole Davis, the launch director. But an objective as important as beating the Russians to the moon will demand some teamwork.

Romance is Not Dead

It seems that the people behind the project wisely decided to dust off the classic tropes for this kind of story. This resulted in a film that is in no way extraordinary but has that special something that romances used to have.

We are introduced to our protagonists, who have radically different visions of how to succeed.

Cole is in charge of the Apollo 11 launch, which would land the first humans on the moon, and he has most of the pressure to deliver a success. He is deeply committed to his job, he cares about the safety and well-being of all the workers, and he wants all of their hard work to be recognized.

*In the midst of the Space Race, Cole’s success is key to his country.*

Kelly, on the other hand, is willing to go to any lengths to sell “the product” to the American people, even if it implies telling a few lies and manipulating some facts. That makes her clash immediately with Cole, who opposes such tricks that show NASA as a spectacle.

However, when the project’s funding is at stake, both will have to work together to make sure the launch can happen. And of course, this endeavor will bring them closer. A classic enemies-to-lovers story.

The People Want Love Stories

Something interesting about Fly Me to the Moon is that, while critics did not care much for it, the audience’s response was quite positive. If you check Rotten Tomatoes, you will see that the audience score is very high. I can guess the reason: this film is just what people want.

A romantic film starring a man and a woman that cares about the process of falling in love, and does not go straight down the easy road of sex scenes, is a difficult thing to find these days.

*Johansson and Tatum’s characters get to know each other while trying to save the* *project.*

While Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum seemed like an odd pairing at first, they are really charming together. Remember that the Apollo 11 launch was in 1969, so there is also the addition of the fashion and music of the time and a wonderful soundtrack composed by Daniel Pemberton.

The script is nothing revolutionary, but it is quite enjoyable. The cringy situations usual in these productions are administered in small doses, and some moments between the actors even managed to be a bit heartwarming.

Release and Box Office Numbers

Fly Me to the Moon was originally meant to be a direct-to-streaming project for Apple TV+, but some good test screenings set the theatrical release as a viable option. Sony Pictures was in charge of distributing the film in cinemas.

As with other Apple TV films that ended up in theaters, such as Napoleon, Argylle or Killer of the Flower Moon, the budget was pretty high. In the case of Fly Me to the Moon, it was reported to be $100.000.000, and it only earned $38.264.236 worldwide. Considering the theatrical releases we had in July, a bigger success could not be expected. Compared to films like Twisters or Deadpool & Wolverine, a romantic comedy did not stand a chance.

However, I’m very pleased with Fly Me to the Moon. If, like me, you miss the old-school romances, I dare say you will enjoy this one very much.