‘Fly Me to the Moon’ is definitely entertaining

Category: Movies

55 years ago this month man first stepped on the moon. For those who were alive during those amazing days of Apollo 11, this event is part of their memories. I remember looking up at the moon when Neil Armstrong took his first steps on that dusty/rocky surface. But getting there was not easy, and this was a time when the Vietnam War was consuming the news and people’s minds. Fly Me to the Moon is a fun look at how NASA became America’s best bet for inspiration and American patriotism.

Scarlett Johansson stars as Kelly Jones, a NYC advertising/marketing guru who manages to get whatever she wants. She is a true con artist and a chameleon when it comes to marketing. That’s why the government hires her. Her assignment is to make NASA popular so all Americans, and everyone around the world, would be supportive of the missions to the moon.

Channing Tatum is launch director Cole Davis who is steadfast about keeping NASA on track. He cares deeply about the entire team. So when Kelly starts revamping everything at the Kennedy Space Center, he is not pleased. Why should astronauts advertise wearing Omega watches? And why would TANG be the official drink of the Apollo astronauts? All of this is crazy to him but once he sees that NASA is becoming popular among the people and the funding for the program could be sustained, well, that’s when he sees the benefit of Kelly’s maneuvering. But let’s not forget that there is a bit of a spark developing between these two hard-working people.

When Kelly is directed by undercover specialist Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson) to secretly stage a fake landing in case the mission is unsuccessful, things start to unwind in her head. For the first time her conscious starts giving her doubts about this project. She thoroughly enjoyed making NASA popular and she really likes the people at the Kennedy Space Center, but her job and indeed her future (no spoiler alert) are on the line. She must create a fake landing in a vacant building on the space center site, and she must keep it a secret from everyone, including Cole.

The story is loosely based on what happened back in the 1960s. Yes, TANG, Omega, Rice Krispies, and other consumer products became associated with NASA. But about that fake moon landing production… unlikely.

There are so many humorous parts to this movie woven through the backdrop of the history-making mission. The characters are enjoyable to watch as are their interactions with each other and especially with Kelly. 

America is about to return to the moon. But let’s not forget that in July 1969 America was on the moon. This movie is a tribute to all those who worked tirelessly on the Apollo missions and those who lost their lives in pursuit of John Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the moon and bringing him safely back to earth before 1970. When America puts its mind to something, it happens. 

Fly Me to the Moon is a fun look back at the late 1960s (with music, hairstyles, clothing) and a sense of pride and accomplishment for the country and the folks at NASA.

Fly Me to the Moon is rated PG-13 for some strong language and smoking. It opens in theaters July 12, 2024.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.