Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Every summer, big movies are released that are on nearly everyone's radar. Some of those 2024 summer movies include "A Quiet Place: Day One,""Inside Out 2," and "Deadpool and Wolverine."
Every summer, however, a couple of movies slide in under the radar with all the big-budget studio tentpoles. Past summers have included titles like "Theater Camp," "The Black Phone," and "In the Heights." The summer 2024 under-the-radar movie has got to be "Fly Me to the Moon."
You may have heard of the movie. It features some big stars, including Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, and it has a little marketing behind it, but it's easy to miss it with these big movies surrounding it. While these big-budget spectacle movies can be fun, it's nice to get something a little different sometimes, and "Fly Me to the Moon" delivered that for me.
Why I liked the film
It's something different
"Fly Me to the Moon" stands out in a summer dominated by action-packed blockbusters and high-stakes dramas. It's refreshing to find a film that isn't about saving the world or battling intergalactic foes. Instead, this movie offers a more intimate and story-driven experience that keeps you entertained without the need for explosions or superhuman feats.
The plot revolves around its characters' personal and emotional journeys, allowing for a deeper connection and engagement with the audience. It's a nice break from the usual summer fare, providing a slower pace and focusing on character development and storytelling.
It's a fun rom-com
At its heart, "Fly Me to the Moon" is a romantic comedy, but it's not your typical rom-com. It avoids many of the clichés and sappiness that often plague the genre. Instead, it delivers an intriguing story with well-developed characters and a genuine heart. The chemistry between Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum is palpable, and their performances bring a sense of authenticity to their romance.
While the story is somewhat predictable, it's executed well enough that you don't mind. The film keeps you interested in the unfolding events, and the journey is enjoyable from start to finish.
As a rom-com, it succeeds in making you laugh, even if it's not a laugh-a-minute ride. The humor is well-timed and genuine, providing enough laughs to keep the mood light and fun.
The visuals are impressive
One of the standout features of "Fly Me to the Moon" is its impressive visuals. The production team did a fantastic job of capturing the 1969 vibe, immersing the audience in the era of the space race. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes and overall aesthetic transports viewers back in time.
The space shuttle imagery is particularly noteworthy, adding an exciting element to a movie that isn't traditionally action-packed. These visuals enhance the storytelling, making it more engaging and exciting to watch. The combination of historical accuracy and creative design makes for a visually stunning film that complements the narrative perfectly.
What parents need to know
The PG-13 rating seems appropriate. There is little language throughout the movie, with the exception of one F-word toward the end. While a love story is at play, there isn't any sex to speak of — or even sexual jokes or situations. There is no violence in the movie other than references to the dangers of space travel and the Apollo 1 tragedy. The real-life tragedy is talked about, and a smoking hatch is shown, but no detail is ever shown on screen.
Most of the content is more on par with a PG movie, but thanks to the F-word, the tone and some of the themes, the PG-13 rating seems like the right one.
Conclusion
The movie is far from perfect, and I'm not saying it's my favorite rom-com, but I did enjoy it. The historical elements mixed with the fiction made for an intriguing and fun story with exciting and heartfelt moments and plenty of laughs.
The missteps are forgivable, thanks to the movie's charm. The change of pace next to the big summer blockbusters is a nice breath of fresh air and makes for a great date night.
