Before the premiere:

From Monsters to Zombies to the Heights

  • Article by: PAUL LEVY , Star Tribune
  • Updated: May 24, 2011 – 11:55 PM

Arden Hills filmmaker Christopher Mihm is back tonight with his latest foray into the world of sci-fi cinema.

Christopher Nihm’s new release, “Attack of the Moon Zombies

The Moon Zombies are coming to the Heights.

B-movie maker Christopher Mihm — who’s made his mark with low-budget classics such as “The Monster of Phantom Lake,” “It Came From Another World” and “Cave Women on Mars” –will unveil his latest creation, “Attack of the Moon Zombies,” tonight at the Heights Theater in Columbia Heights.

The Arden Hills creator of “Destination: Outer Space” and “Terror from Beneath the Earth” — his last two productions, which also debuted at the Heights — has a devoted fan base in the Twin Cities and beyond. Way beyond. Last year, Mike Obrecht drove 14 hours from Omaha to help build sets for “Destination.”

First Nebraska, now the moon.

So what can viewers expect?

“One of, if not the best, films I ever made,” Mihm said.

“It’s again another classically styled retro-type B movie,” he said last week. “It’s never stopped being fun. It always feels rewarding to me.”

In fact, with this one, the father of four young children expects to break even. The Heights premiere is sold out — a first — and Mihm is hoping to line up a second local screening.

So what is this eventual classic, which took four months to shoot, about?

Mihm, who runs a small software company, says it’s a scientific expedition on the moon in the 1970s. A strange alien plant sprays spores into the face of one of the scientists, killing him. But the scientist is reanimated — as a leafy plant monster.

Want more? Here are some clues from the on-line poster for this soon-to-be epic:

“The most shocking motion picture of all time.”

“An ancient evil returns to infect mankind … on the moon.”

“You’ll never sleep again.”

The Heights may never be the same.

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419

Then, after the premiere:

The audience and other reviews are in for “Attack of the Moon Zombies”…

A sold-out show, the ticket holders line up outside the Heights Theater 5/25/2011

This message was sent to me from one of our beloved Two Right Feet dance students following the premiere:

Sid,

Thank you, thank you, thank you  so much for letting us know about Christopher Mihm movies!!!!  We had so much fun.

 YOU and Anthony were FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

The cast was great, the crowd was fun and the whole atmosphere was really relaxed and fun.  We laughed and laughed at the movie, the props, and  the filming.  The kids “got it” which we didn’t know if they would, and they really had a good time too.  They thought you were a beautiful movie star, YOU LOOKED SO GORGEOUS (not that you don’t normally but you know what I mean…the dress, etc…).

Again you have made us HUGE Christopher Mihm cult followers, we are going on the website to get more stuff today!!!  We scored some t-shirts and posters last night.  The movie far exceeded our expectations and was SO WELL WRITTEN and PERFORMED!

 Thanks Sid!!

Kate

* emphasis throughout was Kate’s

Anthony, Sid and Zombie with friends "Company Man" Warren Porter and his lovely wife Judy

And from my friend Kerry:

“Sid, We had such an awesome time! … LOVED the MOVIE. I laughed so hard. I think it’s time for a ‘Mystery Science Theatre’ reprise! produced by Mr. Mihm!”

And from our illustrious director, Christopher R. Mihm, himself:

I just wanted to send you all this email and thank you for making both “Attack of the Moon Zombies” the movie and “Attack of the Moon Zombies” the premiere so [goshdarn] wonderful. I said it multiple times that this was the best experience I have ever had making a movie and I want you all to know that that was not me just blowing smoke. I meant it every single time I said it and it’s worth repeating now. Last night’s premiere was amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better night. Thank you all for everything you did for me, the production, and last night’s event! Without you guys, it never could have happened and honestly, the way I feel is so great that it’s literally beyond my ability to put into words.

So, all I can really say is: THANK YOU!

Chris

Sid and Chris (Center L and R, respectively) compete for doofiest look in a photo after the premiere.

If you missed the premiere of “Attack of the Moon Zombies,” you have one more chance to see it on the big screen in the Twin Cities. It’ll have a special showing at the groovy New Hope Cinema Grill, where for a measly $15 you’ll see the movie AND partake in an all-you-can eat buffet of salad, pizza and soda!!! Thurs., July 14 and advance tickets will be available on Christopher R. Mihm’s website.

Or, order your very own copy of the DVD on his site. Check out the special features, including commentary from a big chunk of the cast and crew; bloopers galore; and hidden “Easter Eggs” only found on the DVD with spectacular zombie-laden surprises. (To find these, click on menu items and side- or up-click to see if something on the screen changes to yellow to indicate a buried treasure. Then just click play.)

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