🌕 To the Moon - A Light, Lovely Love Story That Glows with Charm
In a cinematic landscape saturated with action franchises and dark, moody dramas, To the Moon is a refreshing, delightfully romantic outlier. This film doesn't try to change the world, and that's exactly why it works so well-it simply invites you to smile, swoon a little, and enjoy the soft, glowing warmth of a story well told.
Anchored by the surprising but incredibly charming pairing of Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, this romantic dramedy directed by Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon) is as whimsical as it is grounded. The premise itself is playful: a behind-the-scenes romance between a marketing executive and a stubborn, all-American astronaut during the space race revival-something that sounds borderline absurd on paper, but feels effortlessly sweet and believable on screen.
Chemistry That Works Like Gravity
Scarlett Johansson is radiant as Kelly Jones, a PR and branding specialist hired by the U. S. government to make space exploration cool again. With her flawless vintage wardrobe, sharp wit, and no-nonsense charm, she dominates every scene-but never overshadows. She plays Kelly with intelligence and just enough vulnerability to keep her from veering into cliché territory.
Channing Tatum, on the other hand, delivers one of his most restrained and nuanced performances as Cole Davis, a square-jawed, reluctant astronaut with a deep sense of duty and a barely concealed fear of becoming a government mascot. Tatum's natural charisma is dialed down just enough to let his character's emotional layers show through. Together, Johansson and Tatum have genuine onscreen chemistry-not of the hot-and-heavy variety, but of the slow-burn, opposites-attract kind that's reminiscent of classic Hollywood pairings.
There's something quietly magical about the way their relationship unfolds. It's not rushed or overly dramatic. Their banter is smart, occasionally sarcastic, and deeply human. And while sparks do fly, the film allows space (no pun intended) for their connection to feel earned.
Smart, Stylish Direction
Director Greg Berlanti brings his signature polish to To the Moon, blending period-piece aesthetics with a modern sensibility. The production design is simply gorgeous, capturing a mid-century space-race aesthetic that feels retro without being kitschy. Think Mad Men meets Hidden Figures-sleek, patriotic, but with a healthy dose of humor and irony.
The pacing is gentle, never dragging but also never rushing past emotional beats. Berlanti gives his actors room to breathe and lets their performances carry the story, rather than relying on high-stakes plot twists or melodrama. It's a confident choice-and one that pays off.
The direction also balances the romantic narrative with just enough satire. To the Moon pokes subtle fun at the absurdity of government propaganda, gender politics of the 1960s, and the early commercialization of the space race, without ever tipping into cynicism. It's all handled with a light, respectful touch.
A Personal Easter Egg: Colin Jost
Adding a lovely layer of meta-fun to the film is the appearance of Colin Jost, Scarlett Johansson's real-life husband, who plays a minor but memorable role as a smug television anchor. His brief scenes inject a dose of comedic sharpness into the film and, if you know the real-life connection, it becomes an affectionate Easter egg for fans.
Jost's presence never distracts; instead, it enhances the film's charm. It's clear the cast had fun making this movie-and that warmth radiates off the screen.
A Soundtrack That Soars
The soundtrack deserves its own praise. It mixes vintage classics with soft orchestral cues, accentuating the emotional rhythm of the story. There are moments when the music swells and you find yourself emotionally caught up without even realizing it. It's never intrusive-just deeply effective.
Why It Deserves a 9
To the Moon isn't a revolutionary film, and it doesn't try to be. That's what makes it so delightful. It's confident in its simplicity. It tells a sweet, engaging love story set against the backdrop of something grand, but never lets that grandness overwhelm the personal journey of its characters.
It gets a 9 out of 10 because it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: tell a feel-good, romantic, beautifully shot, and emotionally resonant story that leaves you smiling. The only reason it doesn't get a full 10 is because, in its effort to remain light and charming, it sometimes skirts deeper themes that could have added more emotional gravity. But then again-maybe that's the point. Not every love story needs to carry the weight of the world. Some just need to make you feel good.
Final Thoughts
In a time when the world feels heavy, To the Moon is like a soft exhale. It's funny, romantic, and visually stunning without ever being overbearing. Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum make an unexpectedly perfect pair, and the whole thing glides with such ease that you almost don't notice how cleverly crafted it is.
If you're looking for something heartfelt but not sappy, smart but not self-important, To the Moon is absolutely worth your time. It's the kind of movie you'll want to curl up with again on a rainy evening-or maybe even a sunny one. Either way, it'll lift you off the ground, just a little.
Anchored by the surprising but incredibly charming pairing of Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, this romantic dramedy directed by Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon) is as whimsical as it is grounded. The premise itself is playful: a behind-the-scenes romance between a marketing executive and a stubborn, all-American astronaut during the space race revival-something that sounds borderline absurd on paper, but feels effortlessly sweet and believable on screen.
Chemistry That Works Like Gravity
Scarlett Johansson is radiant as Kelly Jones, a PR and branding specialist hired by the U. S. government to make space exploration cool again. With her flawless vintage wardrobe, sharp wit, and no-nonsense charm, she dominates every scene-but never overshadows. She plays Kelly with intelligence and just enough vulnerability to keep her from veering into cliché territory.
Channing Tatum, on the other hand, delivers one of his most restrained and nuanced performances as Cole Davis, a square-jawed, reluctant astronaut with a deep sense of duty and a barely concealed fear of becoming a government mascot. Tatum's natural charisma is dialed down just enough to let his character's emotional layers show through. Together, Johansson and Tatum have genuine onscreen chemistry-not of the hot-and-heavy variety, but of the slow-burn, opposites-attract kind that's reminiscent of classic Hollywood pairings.
There's something quietly magical about the way their relationship unfolds. It's not rushed or overly dramatic. Their banter is smart, occasionally sarcastic, and deeply human. And while sparks do fly, the film allows space (no pun intended) for their connection to feel earned.
Smart, Stylish Direction
Director Greg Berlanti brings his signature polish to To the Moon, blending period-piece aesthetics with a modern sensibility. The production design is simply gorgeous, capturing a mid-century space-race aesthetic that feels retro without being kitschy. Think Mad Men meets Hidden Figures-sleek, patriotic, but with a healthy dose of humor and irony.
The pacing is gentle, never dragging but also never rushing past emotional beats. Berlanti gives his actors room to breathe and lets their performances carry the story, rather than relying on high-stakes plot twists or melodrama. It's a confident choice-and one that pays off.
The direction also balances the romantic narrative with just enough satire. To the Moon pokes subtle fun at the absurdity of government propaganda, gender politics of the 1960s, and the early commercialization of the space race, without ever tipping into cynicism. It's all handled with a light, respectful touch.
A Personal Easter Egg: Colin Jost
Adding a lovely layer of meta-fun to the film is the appearance of Colin Jost, Scarlett Johansson's real-life husband, who plays a minor but memorable role as a smug television anchor. His brief scenes inject a dose of comedic sharpness into the film and, if you know the real-life connection, it becomes an affectionate Easter egg for fans.
Jost's presence never distracts; instead, it enhances the film's charm. It's clear the cast had fun making this movie-and that warmth radiates off the screen.
A Soundtrack That Soars
The soundtrack deserves its own praise. It mixes vintage classics with soft orchestral cues, accentuating the emotional rhythm of the story. There are moments when the music swells and you find yourself emotionally caught up without even realizing it. It's never intrusive-just deeply effective.
Why It Deserves a 9
To the Moon isn't a revolutionary film, and it doesn't try to be. That's what makes it so delightful. It's confident in its simplicity. It tells a sweet, engaging love story set against the backdrop of something grand, but never lets that grandness overwhelm the personal journey of its characters.
It gets a 9 out of 10 because it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: tell a feel-good, romantic, beautifully shot, and emotionally resonant story that leaves you smiling. The only reason it doesn't get a full 10 is because, in its effort to remain light and charming, it sometimes skirts deeper themes that could have added more emotional gravity. But then again-maybe that's the point. Not every love story needs to carry the weight of the world. Some just need to make you feel good.
Final Thoughts
In a time when the world feels heavy, To the Moon is like a soft exhale. It's funny, romantic, and visually stunning without ever being overbearing. Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum make an unexpectedly perfect pair, and the whole thing glides with such ease that you almost don't notice how cleverly crafted it is.
If you're looking for something heartfelt but not sappy, smart but not self-important, To the Moon is absolutely worth your time. It's the kind of movie you'll want to curl up with again on a rainy evening-or maybe even a sunny one. Either way, it'll lift you off the ground, just a little.
- Antwerpen_Based
- 4. Aug. 2025