‘Space Cadet’ Review (Amazon Prime)
Stars: Emma Roberts, Tom Hopper, Poppy Liu, Gabrielle Union, Kuhoo Verma, Desi Lydic, Sebastián Yatra, Sam Robards, Dave Foley, Josephine Huang | Written and Directed by Liz W. Garcia
Space Cadet, which stars Emma Roberts as Florida party girl Rex, who finds herself unexpectedly becoming an astronaut candidate, comes from director by Liz W. Garcia (The Lifeguard, Memphis Beat, The Sinner), who brings a refreshing spin to the beloved “fish out of water” trope,
infused with a female-centric narrative that reminded me very much of classics such as the 80s Goldie Hawn-led duo of Protocol and Private Benjamin – which itself inspired a similar “fish out of water” military comedy in 2002s Cadet Kelly; along with the likes of Miss Congeniality (2000) and Legally Blonde, released a year later in 2001.
Garcia’s film very much echoes Legally Blonde and Miss Congeniality thematically, both of which featured strong, independent women – played by Reese Witherspoon and Sandra Bullock respectively – who were underestimated by those around them. Similarly, Space Cadet follows Rex’s journey from a seemingly shallow party girl to a competent and determined astronaut candidate. Emma Roberts’ portrayal of Rex is charming and relatable, capturing the same spirit of resilience and self-discovery that defined every single one of the women in the aforementioned films. However, Rex’s character arc also addresses contemporary themes such as imposter syndrome and societal expectations, making it resonate with today’s audience.
Space Cadet excels in its comedic timing, much like its predecessors. The humour is fresh and modern, often poking fun at the absurdities of both space training and Rex’s initial fish-out-of-water experiences. While Legally Blonde and Miss Congeniality leaned heavily on situational comedy and clever one-liners, Space Cadet incorporates a broader range of humour, including physical comedy and witty dialogue, which feel very much like a throwback to the 80s classics of Goldie Hawn. In fact, Space Cadet, like Cadet Kelly, could be seen as a homage to (or directly inspired by) Hawn’s classic Private Benjamin – only set in NASA rather than the military.
The supporting cast in Space Cadet is diverse and well-developed, with Rex’s fellow astronaut candidates, mentors, and even rivals given distinct personalities and arcs, contributing to a richer narrative. The ensemble cast adds depth to the story and provides various perspectives on Rex’s journey, enhancing the film’s emotional impact. Plus Poppy Liu, as Rex’s best friend and the instigator of the ENTIRE situation, is one of the funniest supporting characters I’ve seen in this type of film in some time!
Space Cadet‘s depiction of the astronaut training camp is both visually stunning and realistically grounded, offering a fresh backdrop for the protagonist’s transformation. The space-related visuals are impressive and add an exciting dimension to the traditional “fish out of water” narrative. The contrast between Rex’s party-girl world and the rigorous, disciplined environment of space training creates a visually engaging and dynamic experience.
While female-led films like Clueless and the original Mean Girls subtly tackled themes of identity and personal growth, Space Cadet brings these themes to the forefront. The film addresses modern issues such as gender equality in STEM fields, the importance of perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself. It also explores the idea that one’s past does not define one’s future, a timeless message that resonates across generations.
Ultimately Space Cadet successfully revitalizes the female-centric “fish out of water” genre by blending classic elements with contemporary themes and humor. Emma Roberts truly shines as Rex, delivering a performance that is both endearing and empowering. The film’s modern take on character development, humour, and setting, combined with its exploration of relevant issues, makes it a worthy successor to the above-mentioned iconic films of the past.
***½ 3.5/5
Whether you’re a fan of the genre or new to it, Space Cadet offers a delightful and inspiring experience. The film is available to stream on Amazon Prime now.
