★★★ out of 5 -- Rated: PG-13 -- Run time: 2 hours, 11 minutes
Space missions have always been a favorite subject of Hollywood, from movies like “Capricorn One” and “The Right Stuff” to “Apollo 13″ and “Hidden Figures.” Those films lean toward the dramatic side, maybe because NASA doesn’t seem like a natural setting for a romantic comedy (“I Dream of Jeannie” is one notable exception.)
But the makers of “Fly Me to the Moon” gave a space mission rom-com a shot and made things more interesting by setting the story smack in the middle of the real-life Apollo 11 mission that sent astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins to the moon.
The vivacious Scarlett Johansson sparkles as Kelly Jones, an advertising executive who can fast-talk, charm, and outthink any potential clients. She knows how to read the room and get things done.
But a shadowy government official played by Woody Harrelson is happy to take advantage of Kelly’s mysterious past to get what he wants: Namely, strong-arming her into joining NASA as a marketing guru who will keep the space program front and center and Congressional funding pouring in.
Johansson (who does double-duty as one of the producers) really dominates her scenes with utter confidence aided by an impressive 1960s wardrobe.
The film’s production design is first-rate, capturing the era and the Florida setting with neon-adorned beach motels, vintage muscle cars, and a spectacular array of giant NASA buildings and rockets.
Director Greg Berlant (”Love, Simon”) replaced original director Jason Bateman after creative differences reared up, and he utilizes the locations so effectively that they almost become characters in the film, emphasizing the massive task undertaken by the space program.
Plotwise, Kelly needs a guy to go up against, and she has a worthy foil with fictional Apollo 11 launch director Cole Davis, played by Channing Tatum. The actor took over the role from Chris Evans (one of Johannson’s “Avengers” colleagues), who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts caused by the director switch.
Tatum delivers a solid if not spectacular performance as a former fighter pilot and almost-astronaut who harbors guilt from a past NASA tragedy.
The script by Rose Gilroy (who also wrote “The Pack” and is the daughter of actress Rene Russo) lets the relationship between the two leads grow slowly but steadily.
She weaves in some real events (the Apollo 1 launch pad fire) to provide some effective historical background, but also stretches the weirdness level by having Armstrong interact with the Kelly character.
For those who have seen the trailer or TV commercials, it will come as no surprise that the plot also involves a fake moon landing that’s being staged for television audiences by Kelly and her team. The reasoning and execution of this part of the storyline are a bit convoluted, but by this point in the movie, it’s best just to go with it.
Jim Rash (“Community”) gives an entertaining performance as the flamboyant television director calling the shots for the broadcast.
Also worth noting is Ray Romano in a small but important role as a fellow NASA employee, and Anna Garcia (“Superstore”) as Kelly’s always-helpful assistant who’s enjoying her own budding romance with one of the space techs.
“Fly Me to the Moon” has some really good moments. The space segments — especially the rocket launches — are simply fantastic.
But some other scenes — like the one injecting big decisions by the fictional characters into the real-life, nail-biting landing of the lunar module on the surface of the moon — feel forced and unnecessary.
Overall, “Fly Me to the Moon” is still enjoyable. The chemistry between the two leads is good, the story is interesting and the visuals are captivating.
Is this a good popcorn movie? Let’s say, “Mission Accomplished.”