What happens when a movie has all the right ingredients—an engaging premise, a talented lead, and a solid setting—but stumbles on the basics of its plot? You get a film like Space Cadet (2024), starring Emma Roberts, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. While it may offer light entertainment for kids this holiday season, it fails to connect with adults. Mangoidiots gives it a “Raw” rating.
The film’s sole saving grace is Emma Roberts, who delivers an earnest performance as the brilliant and hardworking Rex Simpson. Growing up in Florida, Rex dreams of venturing into space and eventually lands a spot in NASA’s astronaut training program at the Johnson Space Center. The problem begins with how she gets there. The film presents a bizarre, highly improbable route for her selection, which feels at odds with the character’s personality. This shaky foundation makes it hard to stay invested, and from here, the narrative takes a nosedive.
The training program sequences, while competently executed and reminiscent of classic sports drama tropes, fail to rise above their routine nature. The supporting characters, including Poppy Liu as Nadine Cai, Rex’s friend, and Tom Hopper as the program director Logan, do their parts well but don’t leave a lasting impact. The film struggles to make us overlook its contrived premise.
Fortunately, the second half offers some redemption. Through a series of convenient but engaging developments, the film builds towards a satisfying climax. The spacewalk near the International Space Station is a highlight, with tension skillfully maintained, thanks to Emma Roberts‘ performance. However, this isn’t enough to elevate the overall experience.
Space Cadet is a missed opportunity. It has moments of charm and excitement but is weighed down by a weak plot that undermines the character and story. It’s a decent watch for younger audiences, but for adults, it’s unlikely to leave an impression.
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