Eddie Murphy is notoriously difficult when it comes to doing press for his movies, but he didn't even bother to show up for Tuesday night's premiere of "Meet Dave," which New Regency and 20th Century Fox open Friday. Ouch. All that red carpet, and no Eddie, even though he's the one who wanted a preem.

Murphy is currently shooting "A Thousand Words" in L.A., so folks knew he'd probably be late to the premiere in Westwood. That he didn't come at all was a surprise. Brian Robbins, director of both "Meet Dave" and "Thousand Words," did manage to show up, albeit late.

"Meet Dave's" box office prospects are looking dicey, especially since there's another family movie opening this weekend, the 3-D action-adventure "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

If there's a saving grace, it's that "Meet Dave" should play very young. Parents are always looking for a movie for their tinier tots. In the film, Murphy plays a spaceship, and the ship's minature alien captain. (Say what?)

"Meet Dave" cost about $60 million to produce, and was financed by New Regency, Fox and private equity partner Dune Capital Management. Translated: Fox spread the risk around.