AFI FEST FILM REVIEW: “Troop Zero” is one of the most refreshing movies of the year. An unforgettable underdog children’s adventure based on real-life events that captivates audiences on Amazon Original - Prime Video.
In 1977, NASA sent two Gold Records into space with “The Sounds of the Earth” inside the Voyager spacecraft. NASA invited children from all over the world to record a greeting in their native language.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration commissioned a small town in Georgia to represent the country. Local children team up to compete for a spot in the recording.
 |
| Troop Zero cast at the AFI FEST red carpet. Photo José Alberto Hermosillo ©2019 Festival in LA |
There, we meet Christmas Flint, played by young and talented McKenna Grace (“Gifted,” “How to Be a Latin Lover”). Her mother’s absence makes the young dreamer feel that someone in space is listening.
 |
| Mckenna Grace, Troop Zero, AFI FEST. Photo José A. Hermosillo ©2019 Festival in LA |
To reach her goal, Christmas gathers a group of misfit Birdie Scouts to compete against other “normal” groups.
The goal is to earn as many “merit badges” as possible to succeed in the mission.
Participating in these trials will bring kids together and leave them with warm, lasting memories of their experiences.
 |
| Director Bertie, writer Lucy Alibar, and “Troop Zero” cast. Photo José A. Hermosillo ©2019 Festival in LA |
According to directors Bert & Bertie, this vibrant and colorful film required two months of preparation and thirty-two days of filming.
After reading the script, they were inspired to develop the original story of “The Voice Recording to Space Set in the 1970s,” which they found meaningful because it involved unconventional children.
 |
| Bertie is the co-director of Troop Zero. AFI FEST Premiere. Photo José A. Hermosillo ©2019 Festival in LA |
Bert & Bertie worked closely with screenwriter Lucy Alibar, who also wrote “Beasts of the Southern Wild” in 2012. Miss Alibar said she was open to suggestions and allowed the actors to collaborate during rehearsals.
When creating such “diverse” characters, she stated that “they never put colors on them.” They only knew they needed to be racially mixed. Alibar also mentioned she was inspired by her close friends: “They are so cool and different.”
The filmmakers said staging the dance scene was the most challenging part.
 |
| Allison Janney and Viola Davis in “Troop Zero.” Photo courtesy of Amazon Originals ©2019 Prime Video |
Having two Academy Award-winning actresses in the cast, Allison Janney (“I, Tonya”) and Viola Davis (“Fences”), made the young actors feel starstruck. But as soon as they started working with celebrities, the youngsters gained the confidence to act at their level. The young actors’ performances are authentic and praiseworthy.
The audience may feel that the action in this “brat pack” movie takes too long to get going, but in the end, “Troop Zero” is a rewarding movie to watch.
 |
| Troop Zero cast, AFI FEST Premiere. Photo José A. Hermosillo ©2019 Festival in LA |
Other successful films that empower children and embrace the much-needed diversity in Hollywood are “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople.” These movies also portray adults and children in their unique and fantastic worlds.
 |
| Troop Zero cast. AFI FEST Premiere. Photo José Alberto Hermosillo ©2019 Festival in LA |
“Troop Zero” is simple, but its freshness and lively characters exceed expectations, making the audience enjoy the ride to the end and beyond.
 |
| Troop Zero cast and film critic José Alberto Hermosillo ©2019 Festival in LA |
