Most 3-D movies made since the inception of the technology have been pretty gimmicky affairs. Many were traditional 2-D movies converted to a 3-D format to squeeze extra few bucks out of moviegoers. These eye-straining affairs did little to advance technology in the eyes of the public.
That’s not what you get with Dreamworks’ new film, “Monsters vs. Aliens.” Made specifically with 3-D technology in mind this movie finally shows what the technology can do when properly utilized. The film itself is pretty solid.
Susan Murphy (voice of Reese Witherspoon) wants nothing more than to marry her fiancé Derek (Paul Rudd) and honeymoon in Paris.
Unfortunately, when a meteor strikes her upside the head and causes her to grow to tremendous size, she’s abducted by a secret government agency run by General W.R. Monger (Kiefer Sutherland) whose sole purpose is hiding the existence of monsters from the public at large.
Re-dubbed “Ginormica,” she must then adjust to life cut off from the public, with nothing but fellow monsters to keep her company.
Her new companions include the mutated mad scientist Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), the reptilian Missing Link (Will Arnett), and the blue, oozey B.O.B. (Seth Rogen).
However, Susan and the other monsters get their chance to earn their freedom when the evil alien Galaxar (Rainn Wilson) comes to Earth to harvest quantonium, the very element that transformed Susan into a giant and ruined her life.
Over the course of the film, Susan must come to terms with her monstrous size and accept her new situation. It’s a positive message for old and young alike.
The film is definitely geared towards children, but the humor is accessible to older audiences. While the attempts at satire as well of classic science-fiction are awkward, the script is filled with snappy one-liners and the characters are incredibly memorable.
Standout performances include Laurie’s endearingly diabolical mutated mad scientist and Rogen’s hilariously dimwitted blob creature.
It is good enough that seeing it in 2-D will make you feel stupid when all your cool and attractive friends who saw it in 3-D tell you how awesome it was. Believe me when I tell you that it is worth the extra few dollars for those crappy plastic glasses.
“Monsters vs Aliens” is funny and charming, if perhaps not quite as deep as some recent animated films. The humor is snappy, the format is graphically impressive, and the all-star cast does a fantastic job of creating memorable and relatable characters.
If you’re looking for a funny, uncomplicated way to kill two hours, “Monsters vs Aliens” is a good bet. Don’t worry if you think this movie is for children only. There is enough adult humor for big kids to enjoy.
