Is the resurgence of underdog stories in which dreams come true making a comeback? According to the creators of Prime Video’s new comedy, Space Cadet, the answer is a resounding yes! The movie follows the journey of Rex. Despite being the brightest student in high school with a full college scholarship, she faced a tragic event that altered her path. Now, she’s living her best Florida Girl life. She’s a bartender to the locals and uses that brain of hers to help her local community and wildlife.

Nevertheless, one fateful night, she experiences a moment of clarity. She decides to pursue the long-held dream she shared with her late mother: to become an astronaut. Despite realizing the daunting requirements of the program, she courageously applies, fully aware of the slim chances of acceptance. However, to her astonishment, she defies the odds and secures a spot in the program.

SPACE CADET IS LEGALLY BLONDE IN SPACE

Rex (Emma Roberts) in SPACE CADET Photo Credit: Eric Liebowitz//Prime Video
Pam Proctor (Gabrielle Union) and Logan (Tom Hopper) in SPACE CADET Photo Credit: Eric Liebowitz//Prime Video

During the 1990s and early 2000s, a wave of films like Legally Blonde captured audiences’ hearts by showcasing protagonists whom viewers couldn’t help but love and support as they pursued their dreams. The iconic portrayal of Elle Woods, using her Beverly Hills upbringing to triumph in a high-profile murder case, remains etched in cinematic history. Prime Video’s Space Cadet follows a similar narrative arc.

At first, I was uncertain about what I thought of Rex (Emma Roberts) and her eccentric best friend, Nadine (Poppy Liu), but I found myself drawn into their story. So, just as Reese Witherspoon’s charm as Elle captivated audiences, Roberts’ portrayal of the intelligent yet quirky Rex gradually won me over, making it impossible not to root for her every step of the way.

Coming back to her Bring it On roots is Gabrielle Union! I love seeing her in a film like Space Cadet again. She’s so hilarious as one of the NASA Program directors. However, a surprising standout for me is Tom Hopper (The Umbrella Academy). After watching Netflix’s Love in the Villa I was unimpressed by his comedy and chemistry with Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries). That all changes with Space Cadet. I love it when actors are cast against type. You have an incredibly handsome Hopper playing a goofy, nerdy NASA Program director and nailing all the physicality and comedy. His chemistry with Emma Roberts is fantastic. I would love to see him in more roles like this.

Overall, I found Space Cadet to be a breath of fresh air. In a time where we still take our comedies too seriously, it’s nice to watch something that’s silly with tons of heart, and great performances.

Space Cadet premieres globally on Prime Video on July 4.

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