video review
See more movie reviews

Fly Me to the Moon (G, 2008)

common sense media says

Not even very young kids will be over the moon.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this animated 3D film only has a couple of mildly perilous scenes -- when Russian flies (one with a menacing eye patch) attack American flies, and when flies are stuck in a sample jar. The language is restricted to mild insults like "stupid" and the oft-repeated "idiot," and there are a few scenes of flies flirting and hugging. Because the film is set in 1969, there are references to the Cold War, with the Russians set up as the clear nemeses of the American astronauts/flies. Young children might be confused about the entire Moscow-set section, since most kids don't understand the political atmosphere of the 1960s.

Positive messages: The three young flies use teamwork to save the space mission. Mrs. McFly learns that even though it's risky, following your dreams is important. Two young flies constantly implore their friend to go on a diet. The Russian flies are portrayed as stereotypical Cold War Communists.
Violence & scariness: Russian flies fight American flies, but it's not very intense.
Sexy stuff: Grandpa flirts with his old love, Nadia. The local TV station's call letters are D-CUP.
Language: Mild insults, including "idiot," "stupid," and "butts."
Consumerism: Motorola shows up.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Flies have to fly around the ashes of an ashtray.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Fly Me to the Moon

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how the small flies made a big difference. Parents, if your kids are interested/need plot clarification, explain the history of the space program and explain the central role of the long-standing competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. Ask kids how they think things have changed since the '60s. Is space exploration as big a deal as it was back then? Why or why not?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In May 1969, daydreaming young house fly Nat (voiced by Trevor Gagnon) and his two pals -- brainy IQ (Philip Bolden) and chubby Scooter (David Gore) -- stow away on the Apollo 11 with NASA astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins. Back on Earth, the fly boys' families, led by Nat's daring Grandpa (Christopher Lloyd) -- who accompanied Amelia Earhart on her cross-Atlantic flight -- must fend off menacing Soviet flies from sabotaging the moon mission.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Although FLY ME TO THE MOON's inventive 3D scenes are well-executed (director Ben Stassen is a 3D specialist), the movie's pacing and plot development are amateurishly flat. There's not much dramatic tension (a key element of most animated adventures), and the main characters, while cute, just don't engage viewers. For some reason, Nat and IQ continuously implore Scooter to go on a diet -- so much so that one sequence seemed like a weight-loss PSA aimed at kids. Unfortunately, preachy anti-obesity speeches don't make for entertaining dialogue.

The most exciting character is Grandpa, who gets back into action when Soviet flies dispatched from the Kremlin (the sight of flies dressed like uniformed Communist operatives is one of the rare laugh-aloud moments) try to disrupt NASA control's communication system. (Yes, you should be prepared to answer questions about the Cold War after the credits.) It's too bad the movie didn't focus on Grandpa's exploits. He's one fly who shouldn't get swatted.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Director: Ben Stassen
Cast: Christopher Lloyd, Ed Begley Jr., Kelly Ripa
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 81 minutes
Theatrical release: August 13, 2008
DVD release: December 1, 2008
MPAA Rating: G
Watch our review
This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

Review It

 

Review Fly Me to the Moon

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

perfectionist
teen, 15 years old
2
 
I think Houston's real problem is this movie
This movie is probably the worst movie I've ever seen in my entire life. The storyline was mentally challenged; who cares about flies going into space? The dialog was terrible. I've seen a lot of bad kid movies but this is the worst ever. I would also expect much better animation from a film made in 2008. The animation was worse than something you might see from the 90's. Kids might like it, though. Sure, let your kid watch it. But forbid it to kids over the age of 9.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
kelpiegirl
parent of 4 year old
2
 
Great introduction to space!
My 2 year old LOVES this movie. He is fascinated by space, although not 100% accurate it is a cute intro for the little ones. Some of the younger or immature ones may not understand what is going on but seems on level for most 2-3 year olds. A bonus, he can sing the entire Sinatra song too.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
Sammy Keyes
kid, 11 years old
5
 
Go watch it!
A great film you shouldn't miss out on!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
moniquitis
adult
3
 
cute, sinatra song and outerspace theme
yes, its good. my 3yo loves it. he now likes to sing the sinatra song. i used the move to teach him about planets and the moon, outspace, etc.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Fly Me to the Moon?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines