Monsters vs. Aliens

Genre : DVD ( DVD )
Release : 2009/09/29
Price : $18.99

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Monsters don't exist, right? If they did, they'd be locked up in some secret government location so the general population wouldn't know of their existence. But what if monsters do exist... and they aren't evil, or even particularly scary? What if they're funny... and smart... and what if they might just be the key to man's survival? When a meteorite crashes in California on Susan Murphy's (Reese Witherspoon) wedding day, Susan is struck by a dose of otherworldly quantonium, her bridal glow becomes decidedly green, and she suddenly swells to a gargantuan 49 feet-11 inches tall. The Feds swoop in and whisk her away from husband-to-be Derek (Paul Rudd) to a government concealment agency where they dub her Ginormica and leave her to bemoan her losses and spend the rest of her days with strange creatures like B.O.B., the brainless blob (Seth Rogen), mad professor Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), the half-fish and half-ape Missing Link (Will Arnett), and the overly huge and strangely silent grub Insectosaurus. Next, Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson), ruler of an alien civilization, sends a huge robot to attack Modesto, Calif., to recover the quantonium released by the fallen meteorite. Under the ineffective leadership of President Hathaway (Stephen Colbert), the government embraces General W. R. Monger's (Kiefer Sutherland) suggestion to pit the imprisoned monsters against the robot in exchange for their freedom. The monsters are no match for the robot until Susan begins to really believe in her own abilities and embrace the power of her friendship with the other monsters. B.O.B is absolutely hilarious with his consistent propensity for misunderstanding, indiscriminate digestion of anything and everything in his path, and witless adoration of his fellow monsters. The crazy exploits of Dr. Cockroach inspire lots of laughter, Insectosaurus proves his worth in the end, and Ginormica serves as the glue that holds the whole film together. The InTru 3-D format is highly effective and if you like animation; visual, verbal, and action comedy; references to past science-fiction films; and lovable monsters; you'll enjoy Monsters vs. Aliens. (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi


Stills from Monsters vs. Aliens (Click for larger image)

I was impressed with Steve Colbert as president. His TV persona showed through in this left of center satire on monster and alien movies. It is a movie that parents will find entertaining also. There is a reference to Susan's boobies and a scene where the military man scans his butt to enter a room. That is pretty much the extent of objectionable material. The movie starts out with Susan getting married in a Unitarian (?) church (no Christian symbols) when she is struck by a meteorite which turns her into the 50 foot woman. The military subdues her like Lilliputians and imprisons her with other monsters (interment camp). When an alien robot attacks the earth, the monsters are let loose to save the planet and win their freedom in return. If your kids liked Mars Attacks, they will enjoy this movie.

Quite possibly one of the most anticipated, and most disappointing, movies in all of kid-movie history, this cliche-ridden watered-down blob of corporate media muck is to be avoided at all costs. 20 minutes in, my kids and I looked at each other hoping it would turn around. 40 minutes in one of 'em was asleep. 60 minutes in the other one looked like he was going to punch someone out. 80 minutes in we were getting our money back. Time is valuable; don't waste it on this pooper.

Once again we were pleased with the service and professionalism. The delivery is quick. And the product was great.

I love this movie! I can watch it over and over. Susan is very "animated" in this. Watch her face and some of her reactions. The general tells them what to expect from him and he comes through. The boyfriend is a dud. Where can I get some of this meteor energy?

My daughter loves this movie...it's cute, but if you like Shrek or Monsters INC....you won't like this one as much.