3 out of 5

The primary objective of Apollo 11 was to fulfill President John F. Kennedy's 1961 pledge to land a human on the Moon and return them safely to Earth before the end of that decade.
Fly Me to the Moon presents a conventional romantic comedy set against the backdrop of the Apollo 11 mission. While the film endeavours to capitalise on the historical significance of this era, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly compelling narrative.

Starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, Fly Me To The Moon is a romantic comedy set against the high-stakes backdrop of NASA's historic attempt to put a man on the moon. Brought in to fix NASA's public image, sparks fly in all directions as marketing maven Kelly Jones (Johansson) wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis's (Tatum) already difficult task. When the White House deems the mission too important to fail a fake moon landing is filmed which will no doubt feed some conspiracy theorists. Here it does little but provide additional comic relief.
Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson deliver serviceable performances as the central romantic leads, though their characters lack the depth and complexity necessary to ignite genuine emotional investment. The film's pacing is uneven, with certain sequences dragging while others rush through pivotal moments.
While the production design attempts to evoke the spirit of the 1960s, it lacks the authenticity and meticulous attention to detail required to immerse the audience fully in the era. The film's reliance on familiar romantic comedy tropes hinders its potential to offer a fresh perspective on the Space Race.

Ultimately, Fly Me to the Moon is a mildly entertaining film that fails to capitalise on the rich potential of its subject matter or the talent of its stars. While it may appeal to a general audience seeking lighthearted escapism, it is unlikely to resonate with viewers demanding a more substantive cinematic experience.
The film could do more to acknowledge that Apollo 11 was a monumental achievement for humanity, demonstrating the power of human ingenuity and cooperation. It inspired generations and solidified America's position as a global leader in space exploration. I'm not sure what this film will inspire.
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