OPINION:
“Fly Me to the Moon” is a stylish, high-flying, and fun rom-com. But some bits will likely leave young family audiences grounded. Designed with kids in mind, the animated “Star Trek: Prodigy” show might have some parents over the moon. “Space Cadet” has its merits. But even as some of its messages reach a comfortable orbit, its problems pull it back to earth.
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Fly Me to the Moon – In Theaters
Here we have a very natty romantic comedy that lightly plays around with history while delivering an enjoyable late-‘60s vibe.
“Fly Me to the Moon” looks great, it keeps its booster rockets engaged for a brisk pace, and it features Scarlett Johansson in a very appealing role. In fact, in many ways this pic harkens back to the enjoyable romcoms that would draw eager crowds back in the time frame it portrays. There’s romance, silliness, humor, duplicitous choices and, of course, a sweet comeuppance.
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The one unfortunate stumble here is the foul language that materializes late in the film like an unpleasant time-machine package from the future. It’s completely unnecessary stuff that earns this pic’s PG-13 rating while spoiling the fun for families that might otherwise have rocketed in with the kids in tow.
Read the rest of the review here. Watch the trailer here.
Space Cadet – Streaming on Prime Video
“Space Cadet,” now streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video, is a mildly entertaining film that comes with a few kinda nice messages. It reminds us that we can pursue our dreams and goals—even if we’ve wasted a little more time than we should’ve. The story also stresses that reaching those dreams and goals requires some hard work. And it tells us that we shouldn’t be afraid to fail—a prerequisite to, as Rex does, reach for the stars.
Sure, it undercuts some of these messages for comedic purposes. Yeah, Rex works really hard for a few weeks—but that really can’t make up for 10 years of wasted time, right? But I think we can forgive “Space Cadet” for its literal flights of fancy.
What families might not find so forgivable, though, is its content issues.
While Rex may be looking to launch her own life and career into the stratosphere, she doesn’t turn away from some pretty revealing outfits, or her alcoholic crutches, or language that escapes an R-rating by just a couple of letters. Even as some messages reach a comfortable orbit, its problems pull it back down to earth. And as likable as star Emma Roberts might be, I kinda wish that her character went through a greater metamorphosis—one that encouraged her to grow up in more ways than in just her work ethic.
“Space Cadet” has its merits. And I think it can be an encouragement to some viewers to use our God-given talents more fully. But the movie’s misfires will keep it from many a family—even those that could use the encouragement.
Read the rest of the review here. Watch the trailer here.
Star Trek: Prodigy – Streaming on Netflix
“Star Trek: Prodigy” carries on the legacy of its predecessors, boldly going where no one has gone before. This computer-animated series features new characters (as well as several old ones), new adventures and new alien species, all targeted toward kids.
The makers seem to be mindful of the show’s intended audience, because there’s no language, no graphic violence (though there are several battle scenes) and no sexual content of any kind. In fact, the only thing that might cause concern are the aliens themselves. Some look and act a bit rougher than others. And Zero is a Medusan—a noncorporeal, genderless, energy-based lifeform.
But otherwise, fans of the “Star Trek” franchise may discover that this is a good show to help introduce their kids to strange new worlds, new life and new civilizations, with plenty of nods to the original shows.
(Editor’s Note: Plugged In is rarely able to watch every episode of a given series for review. As such, there’s always a chance that you might see a problem that we didn’t. If you notice content that you feel should be included in our review, send us an email at letters@pluggedin.com, or contact us via Facebook or Instagram, and be sure to let us know the episode number, title and season so that we can check it out.)
Read the rest of the review here. Watch the trailer here.
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Plugged In is a Focus on the Family publication designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live. Through our reviews, articles and discussions, we hope to spark intellectual thought, spiritual growth and a desire to follow the command of Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”
Reviews written by Paul Asay, Caleb Gottry, Bob Hoose, and Emily Tsaio.
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