Space Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on Comedy

Space Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on Comedy

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  • Space Cadet Matches Roberts’ Previous Comedy Movies
  • Emma Roberts Is Way Too Quirky in Space Cadet

As a long-time fan of Emma Roberts’ acting career, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness her evolution from a quirky and high-pitched child actress on Nickelodeon to a versatile and mature actor who can handle a wide range of genres. Her role as Addie Singer in “Unfabulous” was undeniably endearing, but it was only the tip of the iceberg for this talented artist.


The Roberts last name is certainly renowned in Hollywood with many famous faces attached to it. Notably, Julia Roberts, who has garnered multiple Academy Awards, holds a prominent position in the film industry. Inheriting her aunt’s acting genes, Emma Roberts, has also made a mark for herself since childhood and remains a frequent presence on our screens.

More recently, the comedy film “Space Cadet,” directed by Roberts and featuring actors Poppy Liu and Tom Hopper, was made available on Prime Video for viewing. The cast reportedly developed strong affection for their characters during production. However, despite their appreciation for the script and concept, the audience response has been less than favorable. Contrary to boosting Roberts’ cinematic resume, “Space Cadet” serves as a dismal indication that it may be time for Emma Roberts to reconsider her career in comedy. Here’s why:

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Space Cadet Matches Roberts’ Previous Comedy Movies

Space Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on ComedySpace Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on ComedySpace Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on Comedy

As a big fan of Prime’s “Space Cadet,” I can tell you that this sci-fi comedy follows the journey of a Florida party girl named Rex Simpson. Growing up without her mother, she abandoned her aspiration to be an astronaut and instead opted for the chaotic lifestyle of a bartender. Remarkably, Rex’s character shares some resemblance with Reese Witherspoon’s Poppy Moore in “Wild Child.” Both women have endured heartbreaking losses that led them down distinct paths. While Rex spends her time partying with her energetic friends and creating quirky inventions on the side, Poppy takes a more rebellious route by overindulging in parties and causing mischief at school.

At her high school reunion, Rex discovers to her surprise that she’s strayed far from her original dream. This realization hits her during a conversation with an old flame, now the successful founder of a space tourism company. Spurred on by this encounter, Nadine, Rex’s closest friend, helps her craft a compelling application and resume for NASA’s astronaut program. Once admitted, given her lack of prior experience, it’s only natural that things get hectic.

In simpler terms, Roberts finds the plot of SpaceCadet too similar to her past comedies, like Wild Child, which follow a pattern of using loss as a catalyst for personal growth in young women and featuring themes of deception, complicated love, and eventual resolution. However, she remains unsure about the execution of this familiar formula in SpaceCadet.

Emma Roberts’ Rollercoaster Career

Space Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on ComedySpace Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on ComedySpace Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on Comedy

I started my acting journey way back when I was just nine years old, sharing the screen with the legendary Johnny Depp in “Blow” in 2001. But funny enough, my early career wasn’t all about drama. Instead, it leaned heavily into comedy. I became a familiar face on Nickelodeon with my role as the lead in “Unfabulous,” which aired from 2004 to 2007. And after that, I kept exploring the world of comedies, taking on projects like “Nancy Drew,” “Hotel for Dogs,” and “Wild Child.”

When Roberts decided to pursue more serious roles, she broadened her acting abilities and veered slightly from her comedy background. Through films like “Scream 4,” “Palo Alto,” and “The Blackcoat’s Daughter,” she showcased her versatility in various genres, notably demonstrating her prowess in drama and horror. Notably, Roberts’ ongoing involvement in the television series “American Horror Story,” since 2013, has granted her the chance to hone her craft and delve deeper into mature roles that highlight depth and a wide emotional range.

Instead of the exaggerated, humorous styles she’s known for in comedic films, Emma Roberts showcases a different side of her talent in horror and drama genres. Her roles in these types of movies serve to highlight that there is more to her acting abilities than what’s displayed in her comedy projects.

Emma Roberts Is Way Too Quirky in Space Cadet

Space Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on ComedySpace Cadet Proves that Emma Roberts Needs to Give Up on Comedy

Although Roberts has made a name for herself in horror and drama genres with impressive achievements, it appears she harbors a strong affection for comedy. She persists in taking on roles in this area, despite the frequent unfavorable responses from critics and audiences. Following “Holidate,” her latest comedy project, “Space Cadet,” further highlights her comedic missteps.

In a different phraseology, the portrayal of Rex by Roberts can be challenging to observe. The main cause for this is her unique method of interpreting comic roles, which bears strong resemblance to her “quirky” persona from her Nickelodeon past. It seems that in this genre, Roberts finds it hard to move beyond her childhood acting image, all the while grappling with the implications of being a “nepo baby.” As a result, her maturity fails to shine through in an engaging manner.

It’s clear that the script aimed to make Rex an exaggerated character to captivate audiences. However, Roberts’ portrayal comes across as if she’s in a boiling pot, ready to burst. Emma Roberts, famously known as a “scream queen,” has mastered expressing intense emotions. Yet, her performance in Space Cadet may not be the most suitable outlet for that talent.

Regrettably, the humor in “Space Cadet” doesn’t shine as brightly due to limited character development. Emma Roberts’ over-the-top portrayal in the film further highlights this issue. It’s past due for Roberts to explore new methods for comedy or perhaps focus on her strengths in drama and horror genres, allowing her true acting abilities to shine.

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2024-07-20 06:01