Today’s quick review: Monsters vs. Aliens. On the day of her wedding, Susan Murphy (Reese Witherspoon) is struck by a radioactive meteorite, causing her to grow to gigantic proportions. Taken to a secret government facility, she joins a team of oddball monsters (Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett) on their first mission: to save the world from the alien conquerer Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson).
Monsters vs. Aliens is an animated sci-fi comedy that pays tribute to the monster attack and alien invasion movies of the mid-20th century. Monsters vs. Aliens features a star-studded cast, a straightforward plot, and a decent sense of humor. The movie also has a fair share of kid-friendly action that takes advantage of its sci-fi setting and motley characters. However, the movie lacks the punch needed to make it anything more than a popcorn watch.
Monsters vs. Aliens is at its best when it embraces the rules of its own universe. The clearest case is Susan Murphy, whose enormous size is the movie’s most reliable source of humor, action, and personal drama. Every time the movie treats its universe as a living, breathing thing, the reward is inventive action and rich humor. Every time it opts for the easy joke, it comes off as flat and generic.
Monsters vs. Aliens’ main weakness is that its writing isn’t very tight. Apart from Susan herself, the monster designs feel like first drafts, and the film struggles to give the other characters enough to do. The plot could use an extra segment to make it a complete story. The world shows potential but seems afraid of it, shying away from many little opportunities to give the Monsters vs. Aliens universe an identity of its own.
The remaining facets of the film are generally competent. The voice acting is strong across the board, and even the minor characters are played by familiar names. The CGI shows all the color, polish, and detail of a high-budget modern production. The movie also sneaks in a remarkable number of references, spoofing everything from The Fly to Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Give Monsters vs. Aliens a shot when you’re in the mood for something light and humorous. The movie doesn’t realize all of its potential, but it gets enough right to make for an entertaining watch. For a kids’ sci-fi movie that embraces its universe wholeheartedly, check out Megamind. For a superhero movie that makes better use of its team, check out Big Hero Six. For a live-action take on a similar premise, check out Men in Black.
6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for decent humor and an enjoyable story.