Synopsis: When an alien being threatens life on Planet Earth in Monsters vs. Aliens, the government turns to a group of unlikely heroes to save the day, monsters.
Release Date: March 27, 2009 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Children and Family, Animation
Film Review
Production
For a film that is primarily aimed at children, Monsters vs. Aliens is shockingly violent, full of sexual innuendo and lots of “potty mouth” comments. That aside, it is seemingly enjoyable but nothing near fabulous. All of the characters are taken from a page out of B-movie history, an homage of sorts, that is sure to delight audiences with an affinity for science fiction/horror films of days gone by. To see them all on screen, in a positive role, and banded together to save the world is fun; and may even be seen as an inside joke for parent’s bringing their children. Something they can dive deeper into while their children experience the character’s for the first time in a new light. Overall, it is a decent story that has a good message behind it. If only it was being told without so much severity and a bit more childish humor.
Animation
The computer generated animation in Monsters vs. Aliens is done with a great deal of preciseness and strong effort. From the stubble on the General’s chin, the small rippling of B.O.B.’s form as he moves along, to the walk signals in the city changing as the main action invades the space no detail goes unnoticed or unimagined.
Each and every character is given a very unique and well developed persona in Monsters vs. Aliens, and the emotions register on their faces throughout. Unfortunately, there are instances where what the character’s are expressing verbally does not exactly match the animated expressions or movements you see on screen. It is a slight flaw in the overall synching of movement and speech when dealing with this type of film but nevertheless, it is noticeable frequently.
Comedy Factor
For what should be a lighthearted and fun movie, Monsters vs. Aliens is far too violent and short on laughs to really be considered comedic. There are a variety of funny one-liners from various characters and the occasional scene where something worth a laugh occurs but they are scattered throughout and inconsistent. Much of the humor is forgotten as the film continues to move along and become plagued with more and more violence. It does redeem itself in the final few minutes so you do not leave on a sour note but instead with a smile on your face thanks to B.O.B. and his brainless mutterings.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Rob Letterman
- Screenwriter(s): Glenn Berger
- Cast: Reese Witherspoon (Voice of Susan Murphy/Ginormica), Seth Rogen (Voice of B.O.B.), Hugh Laurie (Voice of Dr. Cockroach Ph.D.), Will Arnett (Voice of The Missing Link), Rainn Wilson (Voice of Gallaxhar), Keifer Sutherland (Voice of General W.R. Monger), Stephen Colbert (Voice of President Hathaway), Paul Rudd (Voice of Derek Dietl)
- Country Of Origin: USA
