I love a movie that opens with a dance number, and To The Moon delivers. Writer-director Kevin Hartford’s third feature is a quirky Canadian comedy that sees Sam (Jacob Sampson) and his sixteen year-old daughter, Ella (Phoebe Rex) move as they perform their morning ritual. Is the dancing meant to prevent the moon from crashing? Or is it just a bit of cardio?  

They’re seen one morning by their neighbour, Claire (Amy Groening), who has the ambition to become a writer. The only thing missing is a story. She finds inspiration from the duo next door who are determined to prevent earthly disaster, inserting herself in their lives.  

Ella, played by the charming Phoebe Rex with Rory Gilmore-esque fast-talking sarcasm, navigates the typical high-school tropes of mean girls and crushes. Sam, inspired in meeting a handsome man at his favourite sushi place, realizes his need to come out of the closet and reveal his true sexuality to his daughter.

It’s Sam’s story that’s the most compelling of these threads, but often feels lost.  Some of the taught 85 minute run time seems a bit wasted leading up to a twist in the final act that is really unnecessary. Hartford’s off-beat conclusion is either going to work for you, or not. There are some bizarre clues along the way, but for me, what I really wanted was more time with Sam and Ella, to watch their relationship flourish, especially once Sam feels comfortable to be himself. I didn’t need the attempt at genre shift.

That said, To The Moon is an enjoyable watch, never boring. There are enough chuckles to be had. And the main performers create a likeable, lighthearted comedy, even if some later choices seem a little curious.