But first, special thanks to Jamir Bowers, MSU’s Warner Media Representative, for a phenomenal screening experience! 

This film was HBO’s attempt at competing with “that” genre of Netflix films. You know what I mean – “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “The Kissing Booth,” “Tall Girl” and their respective unnecessary, numerous sequels. 

The verdict: leave bad romantic comedies to HBO Max. What Netflix does, HBO Max does twice as well.

I didn’t have high expectations going into this film. I don’t like romantic comedies. I still don’t. Also, this film is co-produced by Greg Berlanti, or Mr. CW. So, temper whatever expectations you have going into it. 

Before watching “Moonshot,” I watched the trailer (because it was an advertisement for every single YouTube video I watched), and it didn’t entice me. 

But, this film wasn’t bad. 

Was it good? I don’t know. 

Is it memorable? No, not particularly.

Is it fun? I think so. 

A film doesn’t have to be “good,” per say, to be enjoyable. “Moonshot” captures that sentiment perfectly. 

The film is about two college students in the year 2049, Walt and Sophie, traveling to Mars to reunite with their significant others. 

Walt, played by Cole Sprouse, is an unbearable idiot. Walt isn’t charismatic. He’s odd, sometimes predatory and downright unlikeable. He follows a girl (who he has known for less than a month) to Mars. 

Walt is also an adventurist. He is a Mars-crazed fanatic. But he’s still boring. By the end of the film, he doesn’t grow out of his childish ways much. 

Sophie, the other protagonist, is smitten with Calvin, her boyfriend, and they aren’t much of a couple. Sophie and Calvin have no chemistry, but neither do Sophie and Walt. It’s unbelievable Sophie and Walt ended up a couple. 

But, at least Sophie ends the film by learning to somewhat value and prioritize herself. That’s a highlight. 

However, I wish this film further tapped into the kinda-there enemy-to-lover storyline. 

Audiences see Walt and Sophie's initial dislike for one another, which could’ve been built on – if this film knew what it wanted to be.

“Moonshot” is not science fiction, but it could have used the genre’s elements far more methodically to create a fulfilling yet romantic, comedic film – beginning with greater world-building and character depth/growth. 

Nonetheless, visually the movie was nicely done. The cinematography was stunning considering other movies of similar caliber (the Netflix atrocities referred to previously). 

In addition, Sprouse and Condor’s performances were great. Both actors saved the film’s at-times questionable writing and weak plot. They made it work, and audiences will enjoy the film’s quirks regardless. I enjoyed watching Sprouse outside of Jughead’s current “Daredevil”-esque arc in “Riverdale.” 

But, I ponder, why is this movie called “Moonshot” when it’s about Mars? Did I miss something? Was there a reference to the moon?