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.

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.

I'm concerned for whomever wrote this and more so whomever greenlit this movie. I can only believe they were having a medical emergency to allow this movie to happen. It's kind of like a college kid on shrooms wrote it. At one point she wrestles a meteor and imagines it's an alligator.

The whole movie makes no sense, the chemistry between her and the main guy is weird, and the characters aren't even likeable. It was light-hearted which is why I even gave it 3 stars. I like campy movies but this wasn't even in that category. My Wife was mad at me for even putting it on and I must admit - I was ashamed and embarrassed.

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.

This movie is very below average. The premise is that the main character Rex is very smart but did not go to college so now works at a bar. She sees a successful person from her past and that gives her motivation to finally follow her dreams and become an astronaut. She wrote an application then her friend changed it to make it seem like she qualified so she would get in once she does the movie starts. The main point of this is the comedy and the jokes were poor. I laughed one time which was at the treadmill scene. I don't know if the acting is terrible or if the directing is to blame but either way I don't like it to add on that the lines are stupid. Everything that happens from beginning until the end is totally illogical and generally stupid. Lastly the pacing sucks. The only reason I gave this a 5 star rating is because it was entertaining enough.