Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ is Streaming Hit

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As someone who has grown up with a profound love for romantic comedies and the space race era, I must admit that “Fly Me to the Moon” has captured my heart in a unique way. The film, while not exactly breaking new ground in the genre, manages to transport its viewers back to a time of optimism, adventure, and the thrill of the unknown – all wrapped up in a delightful package of humor and charm.

In a different wording: You don’t always need a movie that revolutionizes cinema or introduces something entirely new. Sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy something familiar and cozy, something light-hearted and devoid of high pressure – like a romantic comedy with a unique plot twist. Case in point: “Fly Me to the Moon“, a film starring Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson. This movie was directed by Greg Berlanti, who has been instrumental in shaping many of the popular shows within the DC Comics universe, often referred to as the Arrowverse.

The movie that didn’t perform well financially upon its release to cinemas in July 2024, has now found success on streaming platforms. Despite some initial negative reviews, it has been soaring in popularity.

In the 1960s space race setting, “Fly Me to the Moon” is a light-hearted romantic comedy. As public trust in NASA and the Apollo program starts to dip in America, the government hires Kelly Jones (Johansson), a determined marketing consultant, to rebuild their reputation. This decision causes friction with launch director Cole Davis (Tatum) who’s already juggling the task of ensuring the Apollo 11 astronauts safely reach the moon. To add to the complexity, they also stage and film a fake moon landing as a backup plan in case the actual one fails, hinting at a bit of mischief.

What Do Critics and Audiences Think About ‘Fly Me to the Moon’?

The movie generally received moderate reviews from critics, earning a rating of 65% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes (dropping to 43% when only Top Critics’ opinions are considered). Generally deemed pleasant and unobjectionable, with its appealing, screwball leads sometimes making it enjoyable, the film was criticized for being “inconsistent.” As Richard Brody from The New Yorker put it, many critics found it uneven. Some even compared it to Peyton Reed’s Down With Love, but with less style and no real conviction, as Armond White of National Review wrote.

But what works for an audience isn’t always the same as what works for critics. Though critics at RT gave it an overwhelmingly middling review, audience members put it up a bit higher, with a 90% popcornmeter. As one reviewer named Reece on Letterboxd called it “a really sweet and fun movie that would’ve made 150 million domestic if released in 1992.”

While it may not be an instant blockbuster, it still carries a lot of Physics. As Danny, a reviewer on Letterboxd, put it, “It’s more Physics than Chemistry.” MarMar compared it to “Oppenheimer” for those who doubt the moon landing. ClockworkKing, in a sentiment shared by many reviews, stated straightforwardly: “This movie feels like one they were making in Tropic Thunder and The Fall Guy.” (You’ve got to admit, that comparison is spot on!)

In today’s movie landscape, where romantic comedies often find themselves bogged down by outdated industry expectations, it’s no wonder that a film like “Fly Me to the Moon” resonates as strongly as it does on streaming platforms. Despite the occasional derision from studios and critics, audiences continue to embrace romantic comedies with open arms. Thus, it’s not shocking at all that a movie boasting big-name leads, a charming cast of character actors, and a sweet concept can strike a chord with those who prefer the comfort of their homes and their favorite films.

Perhaps it’s all just a vast secret plot aimed at undermining the very essence of cinematic art. Only someone like Stanley Kubrick might have the insight to confirm this, but even he could only speculate.

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2024-12-10 03:02