Review - Monsters vs Aliens

A fallen meteorite from outer space strikes a California girl on her wedding day and causes her to grow into a giant with super-powers. The young female is captured and taken to a secret government facility that houses other monsters who have been rounded up over the years. The team of Monsters are put to the test when an alien robot invades San Fransisco and soon find out that the robot is only one piece to a planned alien invasion.


"Monsters vs Aliens" is co-directed by Rob Letterman (Shark Tale) & Conrad Vernon (Shrek 2), and the duo pull off one of the better Dreamworks animated films. While "Monsters vs. Aliens" isn't nearly as good as last year's Kung Fu Panda, it is miles better than the Madagascar films, 2006's Over the Hedge, 2007's Bee Movie and the last two Shrek films also released by Dreamworks animation. The animation is top-notch and when combined with the IMAX and 3D presentation is a real treat for the audience. "Monsters vs Aliens" should appeal to audiences of all ages and has alot comedy that hits both parents and their children alike.

The voice talents used in "Monsters vs Aliens" are outstanding. Talented actors like Hugh Laurie (Dr, Cockroach Ph.D), Kiefer Sutherland (General W.R. Monger), Paul Rudd (Derek Dietl) and Reese Witherspoon (Susan Murphy/Ginormica) all pull off quality performances. Comedians like Will Arnett (Missing Link), Stephen Colbert (the President), Seth Rogen (B.O.B.) and Rainn Wilson (Gallaxhar) really provide some hilarious laughs for the whole audience. Seth Rogen delivers the most memorable lines throughout and charms the screen with his funnyman schtick as B.O.B. It should be noted that the animation staff did a brilliant job with Insectasaurus, every time on screen he made me laugh, especially the look he'd get in his eyes when they used lights on him.

The story of "Monsters vs Aliens" is simple enough that it keeps childrens attention and detailed enough that it will entertain adult audiences. The jokes in it are funny and do a good job of reaching both the younger and older viewers. The action throughout is well paced and the film does not seem to drag at all during the 94 minute feature. The animation is stunning and the 3D creates a remarkable sense of depth that brings the characters to life in a whole new way to enjoy. While "Monsters vs Aliens" is not landmark or groundbreaking animation it is a step in the right direction for Dreamworks animation when competing with the far superior Pixar studios.