REVIEW: “Space Cadet” (2024)

As a long-time film enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours watching movies that span all genres, I have to admit that “Space Cadet” left me feeling rather underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good comedy as much as the next person, but this movie seemed to prioritize silliness over substance.


Emma Roberts aspires to embark on a space journey in her latest production, “Space Cadet,” a lighthearted and seemingly absurd comedy helmed by director Liz W. Garcia. The film aims to convey themes of female empowerment and offers an endearing perspective on the value of seizing opportunities to follow your aspirations. However, it proves challenging to accept these messages wholeheartedly due to the movie’s demanding suspension-of-disbelief requirements.

The film “Space Cadet” appears to have put in the minimum effort when it came to accurately portraying our space program. While it includes some authentic space terms and was filmed at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the overall depiction comes across as unrealistic and absurd, particularly regarding NASA’s representation. I understand that it’s just a movie, but one can’t help questioning which nation would back such an ineffective space program. Needless to say, NASA is unlikely to utilize “Space Cadet” for their recruitment campaigns.

REVIEW: “Space Cadet” (2024)

In the film, Roberts delivers one of the standout performances with her heartfelt portrayal of Tiffany “Rex” Simpson. Once aspiring to be an astronaut, Tiffany now works as a bartender at a Florida beachside bar and spends her free time saving manatees. She resides with her father Calvin (Sam Robards), who conducts ghost tours, and continues to grapple with the passing of her mother, who died a decade ago. Notably, Tiffany’s friend Nadine (Poppy Liu) adds a touch of quirkiness to the storyline.

After an unexpected moment of inspiration struck me, I found myself yearning to become an astronaut once more. Determined, I applied to the NASA Training Program, hoping for the best. However, my application fell into Nadine’s hands, and she took it upon herself to enhance my credentials with some creative embellishments. Amazingly, this seemingly inept NASA organization selected me for their esteemed program. Who would have thought that such a simple step could lead to this opportunity?

REVIEW: “Space Cadet” (2024)

Rex journeys to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, making it among the select few trainees invited to contend for NASA employment. These fortunate individuals are slated for a mission to the International Space Station. Despite her lively and upbeat demeanor, Rex seems out of place amidst the group of intellectual heavyweights. However, she swiftly charms everyone around her, including her superiors like Logan O’Leary, the charming yet intellectually challenged Deputy Director of Operations and astronaut (Tom Hopper), who later becomes her romantic interest.

As a film enthusiast, I must confess that the initial part of “Space Cadets” feels distressingly authentic to me. However, things soon take an implausible turn for the worse. It’s almost as if reality has been suspended in favor of sheer fantasy. And believe me, it’s a struggle to focus on anything else but the absurdity.

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2024-07-16 16:56