“Fly Me to the Moon” takes too long to launch.
Attempting to show how the U.S. government may have hedged its bets before landing a man on the moon, the comedy also tackles monetizing the space program and a most unlikely romance.
Had this been made in the early ‘70s, Doris Day and Rock Hudson might have been the stars.
Instead, Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum are the opposites who ultimately attract.
She’s a hotshot public relations/marketing pro; he’s the mission flight coordinator.
Because elected officials are hesitant to throw money at the space program, they need to be coerced. That’s where Johannson’s Kelly Jones comes in. She markets everything from the watches astronauts wear to the powdered orange juice they drink. She’s good at schmoozing senators, too, and isn’t above helping a White House operative stage a moon landing in a hangar – just in case the real thing doesn’t come off.
Tatum’s Cole Davis is in the dark about all this (of course) and has his own reasons to see a pristine program hit its mark. The idea that “entertainers” would stage such an event is unthinkable.
Still, they carry on, determining how astronauts might walk, talk and react.
The concept is engaging but the conspiracy theory has been floated for years. Giving it credibility – even in a comedy – makes “Fly Me to the Moon” difficult to embrace.
Johansson is perfect in her role (she would have been ideal in “Mad Men”) but Tatum tries too hard to suppress his emotions. Often, that makes him wooden and difficult to see as a match for the vivacious marketer.
For director Greg Berlanti, that stalls all sorts of lift-offs.
While “Moon” borrows from other space stories (real and fictional), it doesn’t give the three Apollo 11 astronauts much screen time or offer a solid reason for landing a man on the moon. It’s more enamored with the extras and the way Johannson can march in and command attention as the program’s leader.
Because the “let’s stage a moon landing” idea is so wild, there are too many people in on the concept to keep it secret more than a day. Still, that White House operative (played by Woody Harrelson) keeps pushing. He OKs hiring a Hollywood director, casting Hollywood actors, and spending Hollywood bucks on replicating the surface of the moon.
How that would fly under the radar is one of those “OK, but…” elements that don’t work when Berlanti drags out the story just to include a romance. It really isn’t necessary, particularly when Ray Romano (as one of the NASA pros) is so deserving of more screen time.
A black cat provides mild amusement (emphasis on mild) but, like so many elements, serves to delay the space program’s most important moment. When it comes, we’re so tired of waiting we could walk, too, and feel like we didn't miss a thing.
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute - We Live in Time
Movies in a Minute: Smile 2
UpdatedMovies in a Minute: "Saturday Night"
Is "Saturday Night," a genesis story of NBC's "Saturday Night Live," the best movie of the year? Sioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says it's a contender.
Movies in a Minute: "Joker: Folie `a Deux"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says "Joker: Folie `a Deux," a music-filled movie, was a good idea, but it had nowhere to go.
Movies in a Minute: "Megalopolis"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says "Megalopolis" is "classic, removed and, at times, overdone." (and those are his nice comments)
Movies in a Minute: "Transformers One"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Transformers One" is an origins story that details how the whole idea came about. The film looks good, runs less than two hours and doesn’t make you feel like you’ve entered some strange new world.
Movies in a Minute: "Speak No Evil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Speak No Evil" is visually messy and disjointed. It becomes one of those horror films that makes you want to scream at the screen.
Movies in a Minute: "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says that when Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton’s crazy-haired bio-exorcist, appears all is right in the crazy world of this sequel to 1988's "Beetlejuice." But be forewarned - if you're not familiar with the original movie, you may have some catching up to do.
Movies in a Minute: "Reagan"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Reagan" squeezes too much drama into one film. It's a CliffsNotes approach to history just hitting the highlights and quickly moving on.
Movies in a Minute: "Blink Twice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says if you put a bunch of people on an island just about anything can happen..... and, in "Blink Twice," it does.
Movies in a Minute "Alien: Romulus"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Alien: Romulus" isn’t afraid to throw in a good ol’ popcorn surprise when you least expect it. You don’t have to know a thing about the earlier “Alien” films to enjoy this one.
Movies in a Minute: "It Ends With Us"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "It Ends with Us” becomes yet another protracted romance in which no one is honest and open. It’s an OK relationship drama, it just didn’t need more than two hours to make its point.
Movies in a Minute: "Trap"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Trap" is an interesting concept, particularly since it plays on understandable fears.
Movies in a Minute: "Deadpool & Wolverine"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Deadpool & Wolverine" is the Marvel film for everyone who has grown weary of superheroes and their overly long stories. Teaming with Jackman was a brilliant move. The yin and yang of the new Marvel Universe can take on everyone and still manage a smirk.
Movies in a Minute: "Twisters"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Twisters" whips up plenty of action to be one of the best movies this summer.
Movies in a Minute "Maxxxine"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Maxxxine" doesn’t accomplish much or really scare. It’s a visual treat but a scary movie dud. It’s merely an attempt for a director to walk in other’s shoes, not blaze new trails.
Movies in a Minute "Despicable Me 4"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Despicable Me 4" is all over the map, looking for something to stick. It’s fine for those with short attention spans but for everyone else it’s a mess to sort out.
Movies in a Minute "A Quiet Place: Day One"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the joy of "A Quiet Place: Day One" is how well Lupita Nyong’o conveys every emotion without words. She’s a wonderful actress who makes you care about her, her cat and the law student, played by Joseph Quinn. When they’re in danger, we’re in danger. When they’re exhaling, we’re exhaling.
Movies in a Minute: "Thelma"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment critic Bruce Miller says that while the action in “Thelma” may not be all that realistic, it’s highly entertaining and just the ticket for audiences tired of three-part dramas.
Movies in a Minute: "Inside Out 2"
UpdatedMovies in a Minute "Bad Boys: Ride or Die"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" doesn’t try to deliver big messages, it's just a lot of fun.
Movies in a Minute: "Jim Henson Idea Man”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "“Jim Henson Idea Man” shows how the puppeteer created the Muppets and Sesame Street. “Idea Man” scratches at the surface of Jim Henson. It just doesn’t dig into the felt.
Movies in a Minute: "Summer Camp"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Summer Camp” doesn’t have a spark that could start a fire.
Movies in a Minute: "The Blue Angels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Blue Angels" documentary shows us what it’s like to be the best of the best. For fans of air shows, it’s a great “rest of the story” production.
Movies in a Minute: "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" includes the best motion capture performance we’ve seen and, easily, the reason this film works so well. No matter how many “Planet of the Apes” films you’ve seen, this is the one to embrace.
Movies in a Minute: "The Fall Guy"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Fall Guy" rolls out every jaw-dropping stunt possible and manages to pull the curtain back on the movie industry.
Movies in a Minute: "Challengers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Challengers" is a smart love fest for fans of tennis. The film is a closer than usual look at the emotional toll the game takes. When the action starts, we’re curious how it’s going to play out.
Movies in a Minute: "Abigail"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says that if you get an invitation to dinner from "Abigail" just say it got lost in the mail. She's a messy eater.
Movies in a Minute: "Civil War"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Civil War" seems like a film designed to scare audiences into attention.
Movies in a Minute: "Monkey Man"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Monkey Man" never sits still. The film is full of extreme close-up shots which are impossible to ignore and, often, easy to misread.
Movies in a Minute: "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" isn’t as good as previous mashups, but this, you might say, is the “Oppenheimer” of the monsterverse.
Movies in a Minute: "Late Night With the Devil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Late Night With the Devil" toys with its audience and plays out much like an old-school talk show.
Movies in a Minute: "Snack Shack"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Snack Shack" is Profane, constantly in motion and very retro. It’s the vacation you didn’t think you needed but sure were glad you took.
Movies in a Minute: "Cabrini"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Cabrini" is a noble look at the patron saint of immigrants, Frances Cabrini. The film reminds us there is not an even playing field then – or now. It’s a stirring message at this time of year.
Movies in a Minute "Dune: Part Two"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Dune: Part Two" plops you in the middle of the action and never slows up. This sequel is beautifully photographed and powerfully scored.
Movies in a Minute: "Drive-Away Dolls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Drive-Away Dolls" is isn’t as complete as you’d like it to be but it does have moments and isn’t afraid to let familiar faces play unfamiliar roles.
Movies in a Minute "Bob Marley: One Love"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bob Marley: One Love" has plenty of music and a subdued vibe but it doesn’t tell us a lot about the reggae legend himself. The film leaves out plenty of key information – the kind of stuff a fan would like to know.
Movies in a Minute: "Lisa Frankenstein”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Lisa Frankenstein” is a light romp in a dark, dark world. But it could have been a wild wallow in an era that was packed with possibilities.
Movies in a Minute: “The Greatest Night in Pop”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “The Greatest Night in Pop” is a wonderful slice of history that shows what happens when stars check their egos at the door and produce something iconic.
Movies in a Minute: "Poor Things"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Poor Things" may be one of the most bizarre films of the year, but it's also a springboard for some of the best acting work of the year.
Movies in a Minute: Best Actress nominee Sandra Huller
UpdatedSandra Huller, who stars in two Best Picture nominees, "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Zone of Interest," is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in the former. Movie critic Bruce Miller calls Huller's performances incredible and says her Best Actress nomination is one of the most deserving honors of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Mean Girls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Mean Girls" has a problem with the translation to the big screen. Here, it’s darker and, somehow, more serious.
Movies in a Minute: "Anyone But You"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Anyone But You" isn’t as fun or as snarky as you want it to be. It’s just a chance for it stars to try something new without making a huge mistake.
Movies in a Minute: "The Color Purple"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Color Purple" is an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza that sometimes overshadows the story of Celie, but it's a powerful film that packs a punch.
Movies in a Minute: "The Iron Claw"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Iron Claw" is a fascinating slice of life that suggests all the fame in the world may look great but it can’t replace a little parental love.
Movies in a Minute: "Wonka"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Wonka,” the prequel to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” is just as delightful as the original.
Movies in a Minute: "May December"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "May December" goes deeper than any investigative story and hurts more than a well-timed social media post.
Movies in a Minute: "Wish"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says Disney's "Wish" has so many mediocre references to past animated films it can’t help but pale in comparison.
Movies in a Minute: "Next Goal Wins"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Next Goal Wins" is largely a matter of how you define “winning.” Unfortunately, the story is so scattered it’s hard to find the momentum.
Movies in a Minute: "The Marvels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Marvels" is not very interesting. The three crime fighters take on a baddie looking for a second bracelet but universal domination shouldn’t be the goal of everyone in a superhero movie.
Movies in a Minute: "The Holdovers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Holdovers" is a holiday movie with some rougher edges. Despite being bathed in the glow of nostalgia, “The Holdovers” is brutally real about human relationships.
Movies in a Minute: "Five Nights at Freddy's"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Five Nights at Freddy's" is like something you’d find on Nickelodeon over Halloween weekend. It isn't a chilling gore fest. It tests the nerves but it doesn’t fry the brain.
Movies in a Minute "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is spectacular and easy to watch, though it may be a long sit for some viewers. Swift's lyrics hit the target right in the heart.
Movies in a Minute: "Killers of the Flower Moon"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Killers of the Flower Moon” is true cinema. It’s art in its highest form that never fails to entertain.
Movies in a Minute: "The Exorcist: Believer"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller calls the "The Exorcist: Believer" a respectful reboot but definitely not a head turner.
Movies in a Minute: "Fair Play"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Fair Play" is easily one of the most compelling films of the year.
