Space Cadet

Greetings again from the darkness. We have accepted that a bartender can get elected as a United States Senator, and writer-director Liz W Garcia would have us believe a bartender may also become an astronaut ... but only after submitting a fraudulent application with details, accomplishments, and references that NASA wouldn't bother verifying until after admission into the program.

Of course, we know going in that Garcia's film is a comedy, and in no way should be compared to the fine film, A MILLION MILES AWAY (2023), a biopic on Jose Hernandez, a farm worker who actually accomplished the things required to become an astronaut. "Rex" (played by Emma Roberts, daughter of Eric and niece to Julia) is a party girl bartender attending her 10-year high school reunion with her BFF Nadine (Poppy Liu, "Hacks"). We learn Rex had a childhood dream of going to space - a dream fully supported by her mother, who has since passed. Rex's strong academic record gained her admission to college, but mom's death seemed to knock her off the space track and into a life of parties and pouring drinks and dressing like a 13-year-old girl.

With a newfound inspiration, Rex fires off a heartfelt letter to NASA asking for admission into the program. The letter is intercepted and, well, enhanced, by a well-meaning Nadine. Soon, Rex is packing up her bedazzled clothes and heading to NASA. Program directors Logan O'Leary (a heavily lipsticked Tom Hopper, I FEEL PRETTY, 2018) and Pam Proctor (Gabrielle Union, BRING IT ON, 2000) aren't sure what to make of Rex, though remain impressed with her application, even as she excels in leadership and flounders in technical aspects.

The ASCANS (Astronaut Candidate) program is not realistically depicted here, and it's not surprising that Rex survives each round of cuts. And yes, we all know where this is headed, as surprise is not a factor in any aspect of this film. The film's title is obviously a play on words, and if you somehow believe more cringe is needed, a budding romance (also obvious) is tossed in to make sure no one takes this NASA seriously. The ending takes us right where we know we're headed, and we find ourselves wondering why any filmmaker, much less a female filmmaker, would purposefully portray an intelligent woman in this flighty manner. Comedies are no doubt tough to execute, but the best are grounded in some form of reality. Perhaps there's a bartender out there somewhere that will cure cancer or solve world hunger. Let's just hope fraudulent applications aren't the new norm.

Releases on Prime Video on July 4, 2024.

Not every movie is destined for an Academy award. Many of those movies, are ones that I have never seen and/or was very disappointed when I did watch one. Sometimes it's fun just to have a movie that makes you smile and laugh and walk away Feeling good. I say, what is wrong with that?

This one did just that for me, and I think anyone that watches it, going into it with the same thought that I had, will enjoy it as well. The cast seem to very well together and yes, it may seem very unlikely that any of this could happen, is that not what movies are, to take us to places of dreams and just make us forget about all of the bad things that might be happening in the world, especially today.

This starts out as a story of what might have been if you made every right choice, took every right chance in your life. And if you could grab that opportunity but you had to bend the rules a wee bit... would you succeed?

It's warm and fuzzy and yes, a totally bonkers plot.

But if you look past that it's also a story about friendship, courage and never giving up on your dreams... or yourself.

Roberts is so lovable in this, you can't help but root for her. Her redemption arc is obviously as far fetched as they come but it's still so entertaining. Hopper and Union perform really well as the strait laced duo against Roberts more free living character.

I liked it for what it was. Goofy, implausible, escapism.

Florida bartender Rex Simpson (Emma Roberts) had always dreamed of being an astronaut. She didn't go to college in order to care for her dying mother and then her heart-broken father. After attending her ten year high school reunion, she comes to the conclusion that she's wasting her life and applies to NASA.

This is trying to be Legally Blonde with NASA. It's dumb, but it's not dumb enough to be ridiculously fun. It's also not smart enough to be any good. First, Rex needs to show her superior intellect despite her lack of education. See Good Will Hunting. My suggestion would be for her to work on their haunted house with her dad being helpless. It's already problematic with her lying. It's really problematic for her to fly the plane and endangering Elvis. I guess they really wanted Emma Roberts doing some girly screaming. My second suggestion is the G-force simulator. She can scream there. This seems to be aiming for those dumb 80's comedies and it's not that far off.

This movie was nonsensical but entertaining in a mindless way. At its core, it carries an inspiring message about not giving up on your dreams, no matter how hopeless life may seem, and encourages viewers to dream big.

However, if you take it seriously, you'll find yourself frustrated by the countless unrealistic aspects. For instance, how does a prestigious organization like NASA not require actual certificates or conduct thorough document checks? And how is she flying a jet with zero knowledge or experience?

It's utterly ridiculous, but if you don't overthink it, it's a fun watch that ultimately encourages kids to dream big and pursue their goals.

Honestly, maybe most of us writing the reviews are NOT the target audience and therefore have this view so I am not being too harsh on my ratings.