Monsters Vs. Aliens 3D IMAX - REVIEW
A Look at Dreamworks' new 3D Computer Animated Film
Apr 4, 2009
The newest Dreamworks computer animated offering is also one of their best. Monsters Vs. Aliens, in 3D and IMAX, is a tour de force of imagination, style, special effects, and humor. Maybe not on a par emotionally with the best Disney/Pixar films, but certainly not too far off in quality.
The Voices and Plot of Monsters Vs. Aliens
Reese Witherspoon voices the character Susan Murphy, who feels the effects of a nearby meteor landing on the day of her wedding (she's marrying local news weatherman Derek, voiced by a game and effective Paul Rudd). She immediately develops strange powers - in particular, she is now able to grow to huge proportions (a nod to classic fifties sci-fi). She's captured by the government and put into a program with other "monsters", and is renamed "Ginormica".
There, she meets and befriends other monsters, also inspired by some of the great (and not so great) B-movies of yesteryear, including a Creature From the Black Lagoon style fish-ape named The Missing Link (Will Arnett), a mad scientist with the head of a cockroach (Hugh Laurie), and a blue gelatinous mass named B.O.B. (show stealing Seth Rogen in a hilarious performance). There's also a giant insect creature called "Insectosaurus".
When aliens threaten the earth, the monsters are thrust into action to try to stop them. The head of the aliens, Galaxxar (Rainn Wilson), has tracked the source of quantonium radiation to Susan, and sets out to capture her and therefore harness the energy for his own evil plans. The story then unfolds with a dynamic visual flair and a style that rivals the best big budget summer FX laden comic book films, as Susan struggles between her new monster status and her desire to live a normal life with Derek.
Monsters Vs. Aliens Family Fun
The film is a delight. Rogen's B.O.B. reels off great line after great line and there are some delightfully absurd sight gags. The movie is never boring, always feels big, and has plenty of moments that will keep the adults in the audience probably just as interested as the little ones.
It doesn't pack the emotional punch of 2008's masterwork Wall-E, but it does have a nice underlying message of empowerment to the young female viewers and the whole thing is presented with such verve and charm that you can't help but be drawn into it.
Other voices in this delightful cast include those of Kiefer Sutherland and Stephen Colbert, who is also note perfect in his funny portrayal of the U.S. President.
Monsters vs. Aliens is a fun family film with more than enough by way of great animation, humor, and visual flair to appeal to pretty much everyone. Recommended.
