Side note: I know things are looking funky around here. I’m working on it, sort of.

I’m a huge fan of Will Smith. He is a science fiction movie star – Independence Day, Men in Black, I, Robot, and I am Legend. I’ve watched his movies countless times. I also grew up watching the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

While Men in Black has never been my favorite of all his movies, I jumped at the chance to attend a premiere this morning with a small group of students.

A collaboration between the American Museum of Natural History and the Youth Inspired Challenge made it possible for us to watch Men in Black 3. They also gave us the VIP treatment with free popcorn, drinks, and souvenir MIB3 glasses. I was even able to bring Kim and Melody along as chaperones!

The movie was fantastic. I usually steer clear of 3D movies (ever since Beowulf) because my eyes hurt and I can’t see straight for the rest of the night. This movie was shot so clearly that I didn’t experience any optical disorientation. The aliens were imaginative and the storyline kept us in suspense until the very end. Mr. Smith was immaculate as Agent J while James Brolin played a splendid younger Agent K. Kids and adults alike laughed throughout the entire movie. I highly recommend it.

After the movie, we were shuttled to the AMNH to have a Q&A session with the man himself. I sat eight feet away from Will Smith! He wasn’t the only important and accomplished person who spoke to us today – (from left to right) the astrophysicist behind the planetarium’s newest film, Journey to the Stars, discussed astronomy; Chancellor Dennis Walcott said something I don’t remember; and the president of the AMNH welcomed us warmly.

Side note: The tops of the photos show the giant domed screen in the planetarium. Their newest film, “Journey to the Stars” was displayed on the ceiling. Pretty cool, huh?

He is just as good looking, charismatic, intelligent, and witty in person as he is in the films. I never knew he had been accepted to and declined MIT or that his mother is a Carnegie Mellon alumni. His favorite class was math. He even spoke to students about the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. I was really impressed that he included this in the promotion of MIB3.

Will Smith was a tough act to follow, but AMNH treated us to their newest film, “Journey to the Stars.” The entire film is displayed on the ceiling, while the audience rests their heads on plush chairs. It was a great experience. I’d recommend it for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages.

What an awesome day.

How was yours?