Movie Reviews
Fly Me to the Moon review: Scarlett Johansson outshines a dull Channing Tatum as comedy fails to lift off
In cinemas; Cert 12A
Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in ‘Fly Me to the Moon’
The Space Race is heating up, but Nasa is failing to inspire the nation with its mission to the moon. Madison Avenue exec Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) is approached by a shady G-man (Woody Harrelson) at a bar. The White House needs her to work her PR magic at Cape Canaveral.
Although they catch each other’s eyes, her interference is not welcomed by launch director Cole Davis (Channing Tatum), who has a range of technical headaches to figure out ahead of the big day.
But the bottom line of Kelly’s publicity strategy is helping a much-needed funding drive, and a flirtatious accord is reached. When said shady employer instructs her to film a studio version of the moon landing in case disaster befalls the real thing, it puts her in a difficult position with Cole just as their romance is beginning to flower.
Sharp suits and sharper dialogue made Mad Men an enduring touchstone for fare such as this, but Greg Berlanti’s film isn’t at the same elevation. While charming and peppy, it is too long and doesn’t find the right ratio of historic tribute and vintage screwball comedy. Johansson is a delight, but the godawful Channing Tatum looks wooden and disinterested throughout.
Three stars