Monsters vs. Aliens
Monsters vs. Aliens is one of the most fun children films I have seen in a long time. I didn't see the 3D version, but the film was made by Dreamworks as a true 3D film. I assume that the graphics would only add to the already lively energy present. The entertainment resonates with adults and children alike, both silly and appealing. The extremely animated voices supplied by the all-star cast breathes more life in to the diverse characters, making it more entertaining for the viewer.
Susan Murphy, voiced by Reese Witherspoon, couldn't be happier to be marrying dreamy and caring newscaster, Derek Dietl, voiced by Paul Rudd. Just before she is supposed to walk down the aisle, a meteor falls on top of Susan. As she enters the church, there is clearly something wrong with her. She begins to glow and her skin turns neon green. Right before she and Derek are about to make their vows, Susan instantly grows and turns in to a giant. Government officials arrive, capturing her and taking her to a monster prison.
Susan has no idea what's going on and just wants to go back home to Derek, her family and her life. She soon finds out that no one has ever escaped from the prison; they are trapped there until the day they die. Things brighten up a little when Susan makes friends with some of the other monsters, B.O.B., Dr. Cockroach Ph.D., and The Missing Link. Although at first scared, Susan works with Dr. Cockroach to turn herself back to her original size. Their experiments get interrupted when General W.R. Monger, voiced by Kiefer Sutherland, agrees to give them their freedom if they conquer the forces that are attempting to take over the world. This force is a blue alien, Gallaxhar, voiced by Rainn Wilson, who is creating an army to overtake all of humanity. Something in Susan's new body is able to beat Gallaxher and it is clear that it will keep him from conquering all.
When Susan is abducted it is up to all of the monsters to work together, outsmart Gallaxher, and save the very society that has turned its back on them.
Seth Rogen as B.O.B. is enough of a reason to see this movie. Rogen is energetic, charismatic and has a lovable goofiness that is completely contagious. Reese Witherspoon did well as Susan and her monster personality, Ginormica. She voices concern, fright, desperation, and great strength throughout her transformation between a care-free human with it all to the misunderstood, but strong and courageous giant. Hugh Laurie brings out the clever and witty Dr. Cockroach. Will Arnett supplied a rough, deep yet energy-filled voice as The Missing Link.
Rainn Wilson voiced the perfect evil villain, Gallaxhar. Wilson brought out the fine line between the cool malevolence in his voice and the cheesy maniacal element. Paul Rudd brings forth a smooth yet slimy voice as Derek, the not so perfect fiance. Kiefer Sutherland gave a rough, coarse voice to General W.R. Monger. Stephen Colbert was another one of my favorite performances in the film. He plays the goofy, paranoid president and adds a lot of laughs. John Krasinski, Renee Zellweger, Ed Helms, and Amy Poehler also add to the comical and fun voices throughout the film.
Some of the monsters in "Monsters vs. Aliens" can be compared to the old B movie monsters. B.O.B. is essentially The Blob and our main character is a giant 50 foot woman. There are other elements that might resonate with adults such as the president serving as a political commentary on insatiable leaders without being too overt about it and keeping a certain lightness. I also enjoyed the plotline of the government knowing about the existence of monsters, aliens and all sorts of alien abductions. Roswell and Area 51 are acknowledged to be completely true, but hidden from the rest of society. The theme of this hidden knowledge and factual conspiracy is clear, but not taken overly seriously. It's not the type of thing you would expect to find in a children's movie. It works surprisingly well and manages to come off as a quirk in the system.
The characters were a lot of fun, especially as the crisis surrounded them. We are given a few mad scientist-like characters that older audiences will be able to feel a sense of nostalgia for through the overdramatic and cheesy character type they represent.
The story is simple, but pretty good. It depicts how easily things can change and the line between good and evil, monstrosity and humanity. Ideas of fear and acceptance are played with as well. All of the ideas serve as great themes for a kids movie and they happen to give us an extremely entertaining film for all audiences. I found myself laughing nearly throughout the entire film, which is more than I can say any other children's movie. "Monster vs. Aliens" is a lively, inventive film that will be just as much fun for adults as for kids.