Astroengine Goes to Hollywood: “Fly Me to the Moon” Premier

In a very fortunate chain of events, I was asked by Fraser to go to the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Blvd. (LA) for the “Fly Me to the Moon” movie premier. I can’t review the film as yet (we have to wait until the film opens on August 15th for that), but I can give a run-down of who was at the premier and what the new animated feature is all about. Personally, I had a great day, fulfilling my dream of meeting legendary ex-astronaut Buzz Aldrin and legendary British actor Tim Curry…

It was a really hot day in Los Angeles for the matinee premier performance of the CGI animated film. Unfortunately I decided to wear a suit. Having never been to a premier, I had no clue what the dress code was or what I was supposed to do, so I did what I do best and winged it. Things didn’t start too well as the taxi dropped me off in the wrong location, about three blocks down the road. Fortunately I was able to reorientate myself by using the Internet at a Kinkos and I was back on track. Arriving at the Directors Guild of America, a little dishevelled and very hot, I grabbed an ice tea and waited for the red carpet arrivals.

First to pull up was superb British actor (from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” fame) Tim Curry. Then the young and talented cast members Trevor Gagnon, David Gore and Philip Bolden who play the voices for the fly trio “Nat”, “Scooter” and “I.Q.” turned up. Following them were Buzz Aldrin, Adrienne Barbeau (Scooter’s Mom), Ed Begley Jr. (“Poopchev”) and Christopher Lloyd (“Grampa”). The film also featured the lovely Nicollette Sheridan (from Desperate Housewives who played the voice of “Nadia”) and Kelly Ripa (Nat’s Mom). There was also a surprise appearance by actress and ex-Playboy model Kristy Swanson.

After all the fun on the sidewalk of Sunset, we made our way indoors where the cast were quickly corralled into the media area where Buzz et al. gave their interviews and posed for cameras. Any hope of me getting near the throng of press and photographers diminished, so I had to make do with taking some photos over the heads of people. I would have liked to have spoken with Buzz at this point, but he had his hands full. I soon decided to get my ticket sorted out and get to the theatre.

The one thing I was very excited about when I heard about this animated movie was that, although it wasn’t a Pixar or Dreamworks feature, it was using cutting-edge 3D technology developed by nWave Pictures. In fact, this is the first animated film to be designed, created, and released exclusively in 3D; only digital and IMAX theatres can show it.

Without going into too many details about the film, it basically follows the adventures of three flies who live next to the Cape Canaveral Apollo 11 launch site in 1969. These three young flies (named Nat, Scooter and I.Q.) dream of flying to the Moon themselves (with motivation from Nat’s Grampa, voiced by the excellent Christopher Lloyd, famous for his character “Doc” in Back to the Future) and hatch a plan to stow away with the historic lunar landing. The 3D animation of the film was obviously taylor made for the nWave Pictures technology, but you’ll have to wait until August 15th before you hear my views on that.

The whole day was thoroughly enjoyable, where all the cast seemed relaxed and had fun with their families. After the showing we had an ice cream party where the kids had a feast waiting for them (after two cookies and a bowl of ice cream I was stuffed, and feeling a little sick). This is when I had a chance to meet Tim Curry who was taking a break outside the building, so I managed to have a brief chat and a photo opportunity. Tim was very warm and friendly (but where did his famous goatee go? I wish I asked him that…).

Then I had my chance to meet the great Buzz Aldrin who had escaped from the reporters and was making his way home. I blurted something about me being a science writer for the Universe Today and he caught my accent and asked where I was from, then, probably for the hundredth time that day he had his photo taken (with me this time) and I quickly said my goodbyes and let him escape from the barrage of questions from his fans. Phew! Such a nice, friendly guy who takes a lot of time with reporters and guys like me not knowing what to say apart from “It’s such a pleasure to meet you!”

Main thing was that I had a great day, and through the superb efforts of Tamara at Special Ops Media (who organized the promotion of the event) I was able to make it to the premier. And thank you to Fraser, editor of the Universe Today who sent me to the show!

For more information on Fly Me to the Moon:

• Fly Me to the Moon on Wikipedia (includes plot details)
• Fly Me to the Moon on IMBD (includes cast details)

Review coming soon on the Universe Today…