The script is first on the chopping block for it's as sorry an excuse for a piece of writing as there's ever been. I'd hesitate to say it even has jokes, for what the film considers to be humor comprises cringe-worthy puns and even worse characterizations. The worst offender of all is Scooter, who refuses to shut up about eating food for the duration of his part. Don't be surprised to find yourself reaching for the swatter as soon as this little butterball opens his mouth.
You may be asking that with such a rancid and unimaginative script, does the animation redeem Fly Me to the Moon? Yes and no. When it comes to environments, the film is very lush and detailed. It was a real treat to be taken on a tour of such eye-popping settings, from Nat's backyard home to the inner workings of the Apollo 11 shuttle. But for whatever reason, such pleasing visuals didn't carry over to the characters. Not only are the anthropomorphized bugs just flat-out creepy, the humans all look like emotionless mannequins. Kids won't mind, but I can't vouch for the psychological safety of their parents. As far as voice acting goes, Fly Me to the Moon is a mixed bag. The screeching done by the three main kids is enough to shatter your eardrums, but I liked the enthusiastic effort given by Lloyd as Grandpa McFly (har, har). Also relishing his part was Tim Curry, cast as a treacherous Russian fly (I didn't know bugs could be socialist, but I digress).
Fly Me to the Moon would have worked better — perhaps even brilliantly — had it been maybe 20 minutes instead of 84. As is, it stretches the concept way too far and tests a viewer's suspension of disbelief one too many times (which is strange, considering the real Buzz Aldrin's balloon-bursting cameo before the end credits). I'd say Fly Me to the Moon might entertain really little kids, but I'm sure there are a few cynical toddlers out there who will prove me wrong.
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