The second animated space film this year after SPACE CHIMPS, FLY ME TO THE MOON arrives in the glory of the new digital 3-D.  Kids should be pleased and astounded.

The story concerns three young flies set off on a courageous mission to become the first insects on the moon by hitching a ride on the historic Apollo 11 space flight.  The year is 1969 and like everyone else in the world, Nat (Trevor Gagnon) and his pals IQ (Philip Daniel Bolden) and Scooter (David Gore) are abuzz over the upcoming launch of the first manned mission to the moon.  Inspired by his Grandpa’s (Christopher Lloyd) oft-told tale of hiding aboard Amelia Earhart’s plane during her famed solo cross-Atlantic flight, Nat hatches a secret plan for the three young flies to stow away on the Apollo 11 rocket.

Based on the actual transcripts and the original blueprints from NASA, the film’s rightfully boasts stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail introduce a whole new generation to the awe-inspiring achievements of the space program’s most momentous mission.  Real astronaut of the Apollo 11 mission Buzz Aldrin plays himself in the movie.  He is the second man to step foot on the moon after Mission Commander Neil Armstrong.  Compare this to the ridiculous storyline of SPACE CHIMPS.

The filmmakers add a bit of intrigue with Russian bad guys though all this is kind of politically incorrect for kids.  Given the accuracy of the facts of the moon landing, the film is surprisingly childish at times to the point of annoyance to the adults. 

The 3-star rating is for kids of ages less than 11.  This is a good film to help children be aware of the space exploration program.