A Twist On Some Sci-Fi Classics!!

Rating: 5/10 (17 May 2009)

After conquering fairy tales with such classics as the "Shrek" franchise, DreamWorks tried doing so again but fell a bit short in the Sci-Fi genre!! Despite "Monsters vs. Aliens" having all the makings of being a potential huge hit like it's recent predecessor "Kung Fu Panda"; it simply fell short to me on the laughs. The main thing which attracted me to this movie was the fact that it pays tribute to such Sci-Fi classics as "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, The Blob, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Fly, Mothra" and every alien invading movie ever made.
"Monsters vs. Aliens" mainly revolves around (Susan Murphy) a young lady on her wedding day voiced by Reese Witherspoon who has several events occur which lead to her dreams of a wedding to be dashed. Now seen as a threat and possible weapon, (General W.R. Monger) of the U.S. Military voiced by the veteran actor Kiefer Sutherland both capture and recruit her to a secret agency consisting of monsters. Here she meets (B.O.B) the friendly blob voiced by the multi-talented Seth Rogen; the brilliantly mad (Dr. Cockroach) voiced by Hugh Laurie (of House M.D. fame); the overly confident lizard-man (Missing Link) voiced by the usually funny Will Arnett and the gentle giant grub (Insectosaurus) voiced by voice over veteran Conrad Vernon. Meanwhile an invasion on Earth is about to commence led by (Gallaxhar) an alien overlord with a Godlike complex voiced by the still somewhat newcomer Rainn Wilson (you'd know him better on the comedy hit "The Office" as Dwight Schrute). Needless to say all hell breaks loose forcing the U.S. Government to rely on their Monsters to even up the playing field causing for much more mayhem to proceed. Who will win and how?? I wont spoil it you'll just have to see it for yourself.
In conclusion despite some of the talent/star-power "Monster vs. Aliens" packed; it simply came up awfully short. Though most animated movies are aimed at young kids; I found "Monsters vs. Aliens" to have something for all ages, cute and endearing but simply wasn't huge on laughs as I had hoped. I'd say, catch it as a matinée or simply wait to rent it. I hope this post was of some help and use. Enjoy.