Space Cadet feels like a movie from the 1990s, in the best way possible. It’s a fun, romantic comedy — they do not make them like this anymore.
If you are looking for a fun movie to put on one evening, or when hanging with your friends on the weekend, Prime Video’s Space Cadet is a great option. Following a party girl named Rex (Emma Roberts), who wants nothing more than to go to space, finds herself training at NASA thanks to a few embelishments that her best friend Nadine (Poppy Liu) put on her application. Craziness, and predictability, ensues.
This movie very much feels like ’90s movie. Think Can’t Hardly Wait. Think Clueless. Think 10 Things I Hate About You. And, even though it is early 2000’s, think Legally Blonde. Space Cadet is full of predictable twists, and leans a bit too much into the romantic comedy aspect, but it is silly and fun – more than you might expect it to be.
Because Rex doesn’t exactly belong in the training program, she has to work hard to succeed. Thankfully, her roommate is not upset when she finds out that she has been lying, and instead, decides to help her. The two form a strong bond, which is fun to watch. At the same time, Rex, of course, has a rival in her small group of friends, who is full of herself and would rather see herself make it than anyone around her.
Even though Nadine is not with her at NASA, the two have an unbreakable bond that will remind many viewers of their real life best friends. It is refreshing to see two female leads willing to do just about anything for each other, we do not see that enough.
It doesn’t take long for Logan (Tom Hopper) to realize Rex’s beauty. While he is her superior, the two clearly have an eye for each other from the start. This will they / won’t they is where the romantic comedy aspect comes in. While it doesn’t always feel genuine to the plot, it does amount to some cute moments.
There is messaging weaved throughout the movie about not giving up just because you are unqualified for something – take that as you will – as well as treating others how you wish to be treated. Rex might be a party girl, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t smart (just like Elle in Leagally Blonde).
Nothing in Space Cadet is unpredictable. It follows the same tropes and plot points that viewers expect it to, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it is fun to watch ridiculous events play out, even when you know they are coming. This film is cute, silly, and a good time — do not expect more, but don’t expect less either.
Overall Thoughts
Space Cadet took me by surprise. While the premise seemed fun, I was not sure how it was going to all come together. In the end, I had a lot of fun watching this movie. It brought me back to my teenage years, as it truly feels like a 90’s movie in the best way possible.
There are laugh-out-loud moments, as well as ones that will tug at your heartstrings. Space Cadet is, simply put, a silly movie that sure, is predictable, but viewers are sure to have a good time wathing.
NEXT: Poppy Liu Talks Space Cadet
About Space Cadet
A Florida party girl turns out to be the only hope for the NASA space program after a fluke puts her in training with other candidates who may have better resumes, but don’t have her smarts, heart and moxie.
Space Cadet comes to Prime Video on July 4th.
Space Cadet feels like a movie from the 1990s, in the best way possible. It's a fun, romantic comedy -- they do not make them like this anymore.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.