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After the US military fail to overcome Gallaxhar, Susan (now renamed to Ginormica) and some of her fellow Monsters are deployed to battle with the Aliens. What ensues is some hilarious and madcap entertainment as well as soul searching in the quest to prevent the Aliens taking over Earth. ... Read review
Co-directors of SHREK 2 and SHARK TALE team up for MONSTERS VS ALIENS, a fantastic ... more
adventure that combines B-movie nostalgia with futuristic technology to create a 3-D animated adventure for the whole family. When an alien attacks the earth, the monste...
Susan Murphy's (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) wedding day is rudely interrupted when from ... more
out of nowhere, she's hit by a falling meteor! Amazingly, she survives the collision and proceeds to walk down the aisle looking every inch the glowing bride... gl...
Based on the DreamWorks Animation 3D feature film, the Monsters vs. Aliens: The Video Game ... more
puts the fate of the planet in your hands, saving the world as only a monster can! Bash robots and battle the alien menace as the macho half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link, the gelatinous, indestructible, and brainless B.O.B., and the 49'11 tall woman Ginormica, with the help of the monstrous 350' tall grub Insectosaurus. Plus, team up with the brilliant but insect-headed Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D. in co-op mode, to save the earth from the megalomaniacal alien Gallaxhar.
Advantages: Excellent Special Effects, Simple Storyline Disadvantages: 3-D not available in all viewing options
...and some of her fellow Monsters are deployed to battle with the Aliens. What ensues is some hilarious and madcap entertainment as well as soul searching in the quest to prevent the Aliens taking over Earth.
~~~ THE MAIN CHARACTERS ~~~
Monsters:
Susan Murphy (Reese Witherspoon) is the heroine of the film searching for a reason to exist and at the start of the movie, being a wife of a Weatherman ... ...Susan leads her team of monsters against the Aliens, things begin to fall into place and she finds the strength and courage to be different as well as stand on her own feet.
Dr Cockroach (Hugh Laurie) is a madcap scientist who is actually very clever but has the huge head of a cockroach and eats garbage. would you believe he provides sanity to solving problems but in a maniacal manner.
Easter is nearly upon us, which means the usual release of children friendly movies with this one being an exception. I was lucky enough to get tickets for a private screening at the Waterloo Imax Cinema and a great treat it was for us and the little ones.
Starting in Modesto, California, the plot centres around Susan, a normal young lady about to marry the man of her dreams and live in supposed married bliss when she experiences the radioactive fallout of a meteor which falls to Earth. After absorbing a substance called quantonium, Susan grows into a giant and is captured by a secret group within the US military who operate to capture different types of monsters. An alien called Gallaxhar seeks out the quantonium and after tracing it to Earth, heads to Earth to retrieve the quantonium.
After the US military fail to overcome Gallaxhar, Susan (now renamed to Ginormica) and some of her fellow Monsters are deployed to battle with the Aliens. What ensues is some hilarious and madcap entertainment as well as soul searching in the quest to prevent the Aliens taking over Earth.
~~~ THE MAIN CHARACTERS ~~~
Monsters:
Susan Murphy (Reese Witherspoon) is the heroine of the film searching for a reason to exist and at the start of the movie, being a wife of a Weatherman seems to be her destiny. After being exposed to quantonium from a meteor fallout, grows to giant proportions and becomes very strong from the quantonium. After experiencing this and being captured, Susan wishes she could go back to her own life. As soon as Susan leads her team of monsters against the Aliens, things begin to fall into place and she finds the strength and courage to be different as well as stand on her own feet.
Dr Cockroach (Hugh Laurie) is a madcap scientist who is actually very clever but has the huge head of a cockroach and eats garbage. would you believe he provides sanity to solving problems but in a maniacal manner.
The Missing Link (Will Arnett) is a 20,000 year old fish/ape combination that was found by the US military, frozen in ice. Very strong but mis-guided in his strength.
B.O.B (Seth Rogen) is a blue jelly like mass formed from a tomato which was altered using ranch dressing. Far-fetched I know, but complete fantasy and hilarious nonetheless. B.O.B's character is quite weak and his permanent state of confusion makes him think other people's life are actually his own.
Insectosaurus (Conrad Vernon) is a gigantic grub who follows bright lights and matures throughout the movie.
Aliens:
Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) is the evil alien who tries to take over Earth and creates an army out of clones of himself. Although this character is the only baddie in the movie, he doesn't play a huge part in the movie. In terms of looks, he is not too scary and more odd looking with 6 legs/tentacles upon which he stands. More as a supporting role to Susan's heroics.
Humans:
General W.R. Monger (Kiefer Sutherland) is leader of the military group responsible for capturing monsters and uses them to fight Gallaxhar. The portrayal of this character actually looks like a caricature with pronounced features that are bound to make you laugh.
President Hathaway (Stephen Colbert) is the US President and is actually portrayed as a parody. Everyone expects the President to be a forceful and commanding leader, but this character seems to be written tongue-in-cheek with weaknesses and a nervous disposition. Laugh out loud moments include him playing Axel F when the Aliens first arrive as some sort of welcoming message.
Derek Dietl (Paul Rudd) plays Susan's fiancé and is far more interested in his career rather than Susan.
~~~ THE 3-D EXPERIENCE ~~~
Monsters vs Aliens is from the Dreamworks Production company who have also produced the very popular Shrek, Madagascar and Over the Hedge to name a few. Monsters is certainly no exception to this. This particular movie is produced specifically in IMAX 3D providing a very entertaining and thrilling 3D experience.
As we walked into the theatre we were presented with these plastic 3-D glasses that are bigger than your face and just about sit on your ears. You would think they would fall off but somehow they stayed on and are so lightweight that you forget they are there and they do not present any problem to the viewing experience of this movie.
As part of the run-up to the movie a clip of a red ball was played. It bounced on the floor a few times and with our glasses on it looked like the ball actually bounced off of the screen. A few wows from the audience was proof that 3-D was working. As the whole movie is shot in 3-D, all the CGI special effects actually came away from the screen and looked life-like. Sure, the movie is an animated cartoon, but with the colours being so vivid, it looked like the stairs were something the audience could hold on to. Even the space rocks looked real and appeared to be something you could reach out and touch.
Having recently converted to HD viewing with Television programmes, I would say this 3-D experience is like having HD for the cinema screen. As well as the 3-D effects, the movie was presented with very imaginative and strong colours. I found that all this combined made the movie seem all the more real rather than just an animated movie.
The movie is also presented in 2-D for standard viewing.
~~~ OTHER THOUGHTS ~~~
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The plotline although quite simple far exceeded my expectations and was extremely enjoyable. The CGI special effects are captivating and the characters are portrayed such that you get involved in each of their traits and nuances and start to understand their humour. This is obviously aimed at children but it does capture the adult's imagination. It certainly did mine.
What made the viewing more enjoyable was the 3-D experience. My previous experience was of the Matrix and I came away with a headache. This was more light-hearted and the runtime was not too long. The 3-D effects weren't everywhere in the movie but placed so that when they appeared it made it more special. I certainly feel that Dreamworks have raised the standard on animated movie presentation and I'm not sure if I could go back to watching animations in 2-D. I will be interested to see how this transfers to eventual DVD and whether the effects that make this movie experience can be maintained.
The ending of the movie left it open for sequels so expect more from the Monsters. My niece and nephew were thoroughly entertained by this and gave it a definite thumbs-up. I would definitely recommend this for viewing by children and adults alike especially in 3-D, but even standard viewing.
~~~ Other Information ~~~
Released on: 3 April 2009 Directed by: Conrad Vernon/Rob Letterman Run time: 94 mins Certificate: U Website: http://www.monstersvsaliens.com/
Thank you for reading. This review may be posted on other sites by me.
Advantages: Stephen Colbert. Entertaining for little ones, probably. Disadvantages: Odd human animation
...word), involving a selection of Monsters that have been captured and hidden away in a undisclosed prison (kind of Area51-ish). It would appear that Aliens are to invade Earth, and spurred on by the US President’s useless attempt to appease the Alien enemy, the Monsters are sent in to fight them and save the day. But do they? What happened to Susan’s husband to be? Will the bride get to the church on time? Noteable voices ‘borrowed’ for the film included ... ...I find her voice seemed too weak and feeble. Seth Rogan (‘Knocked Up’) played B.O.B, a blobby type of monster who has no brain, who was actually funnier than I suspected he might be, there is something about his voice that suits being a blue mass of goop. Hugh Laurie (‘House’) also makes an appearance as Dr Cockroach, the brains of the bunch, adding a certain sophistication to the cast. Kiefer Sutherland (‘24’) plays the General and a cameo(ish) ...
MarcoG 09.04.2009 (13.04.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Monsters Vs Aliens
Advantages: Wonderful graphics, great storyline, funny and entertaining. Disadvantages: None
Director: Rob Letterman & Conrad Vernon
Screenplay: Dirk Maya Forbes & Wallace Wolodarsky
Genre: Animation – Sci-Fi Country: USA
Certification: PG
Language: English
DVD Release: TBC
MAIN CAST - VOICES:
Reese Witherspoon (Susan Murphy / Ginormica) Seth Rogen (B.O.B). Hugh Laurie (Dr. Cockroach Ph.D.) Will Arnett (The Missing Link) Kiefer Sutherland (General W.R. Monger) Rainn Wilson (Gallaxhar) Paul Rudd (Derek Dietl)
It’s Susan Murphy’s wedding ... ...just great—Susan’s friends have given her a fabulous makeover for the big day, she’s looking absolutely beautiful, her soon-to-be husband, Derek, has declared his love for her on national television during his weather forecast, the mother-in-law is friendly and welcoming, and right after the wedding Susan and Derek will be flying to Paris… but then, moments before the ceremony, Derek tells Susan that they won’t be going to Paris, and to make things ...
GoFigure 30.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Monsters Vs Aliens
Advantages: Laugh out loud moments and clever casting Disadvantages: Not as good as it should have been
...the latest in 3D technology, Monsters Vs Aliens has long been advertised on TV, and my son has laughed every time, prompting us to take him to see it.
Mind you, the film carries a PG certificate, and at times you can see why. Our son is 5, and we were on our guard, but there were only a couple of moments where we felt unsure or he wasn't too keen on, and this involved a big robot being a bit menacing, and that's it. At times, the humour was a little ... ...General's idea to pit the monsters against the aliens is the one accepted by the highly strung President of the USA. So, the future of the world hinges on a handful of monsters. The results? Hilarious!
As with most animated films these days, the success largely hangs on the characters and not so much the plot. As you can see, the plot is rather flimsy, with it merely providing chances for some impressive animation (and some not so impressive!) action ...
pmcds 09.04.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Monsters Vs Aliens
Advantages: 3D effect, great for kids, some adult laughs Disadvantages: Not brilliant 3D effect, not quite as funny as some other animated movies
...they are now known as monsters and are not allowed out of their prison. When aliens appear on Earth to try to take over the world (in America - the only place that aliens ever seem to land), the group of 'monsters' are called upon for the first time to try to destroy the aliens and their spaceship. Coming out into the open for the first time, the public are just as afraid of the monsters as they are of the aliens but, with the help of their General ... ...world. Monsters vs Aliens can be viewed in either 2D or 3D mode. Obviously everyone would probably prefer to watch it in 3D as it makes the film more fun with things seeming to come out of the screen at the audience. However, there really wasn't much of a 3D effect in this film, only the actual picture was 3D, but there was not much at all that came out of the screen and seemed like it was coming towards you which I was quite disappointed with. At ...
frankiefromings13 27.04.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Monsters Vs Aliens
Advantages: Great comedy and action. The storyline makes it good enough for a sequel Disadvantages: Expected a tad more comedy
I not long finished watching Monsters vs. Aliens, and most critics find this film average for Dreamworks. I actualy quite liked it, as it had some great moments, and even though there were a few predictive moments, it still kept me satified for 80 minutes.
A planet outside our galaxy explodes and a powerful metor known to have a powerful substance called Quantonium heads for our galaxy.... in our solar system.... on our planet.... in USA... in California!
... ...locked away with 4 other monsters named B.O.B (a blue gloop with no brain), Dr. Cockroach (a mad insect scientist), The Missing Link (or Link, who is a 20,000 year old fish ape) and Insectosaurus (a giant 350-foot hamster with claws).
But trouble brews, as Gallaxhar detects the Quantonium he has been after a while, and has to try and get it for himself if he wants to create his own world he can rule with his clones!
-Cast-
Reese Witherspoon as ...
goku1st 26.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Monsters Vs Aliens
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Advantages: good animation and storyline, some funny moments, family film Disadvantages: None
found it was all suitable for the places in which it was used and did help add drama to certain parts of the film. The film was set in the present time and despite being animated it looked good and I liked the design of the alien ships and inside the space crafts. They all fitted the film very well.
The DVD which we have does have some bonus features which include:-
Modern Monster Movie-Making
Three Never Before Seen Deleted Scenes
DreamWorks Animation Video Jukebox
Filmmakers Commentary
The Tech of Monstersvs. Aliens
We did not take the time to watch any of the bonus features so I ma unable to make comment on them.
The running time of this film is 90 minutes and I found this to be a good length. My eldest who is 7 managed to sit through the whole film and he did enjoy it but my 5 year old did keep getting up and wondering ...
I have to say I was a bit sceptical about watching this film. There's something about putting a monster in a children's film that seems wrong to me, but this was well received by the critics and this morning I sat down with my two year old to give it a go.
The story begins on Susan's wedding day. She's a nice woman, but seems to be marrying the wrong guy. Still, she need not worry because a mysterious object from outer-space soon turns her into a giant with super strength, which kind of puts a dampener on the day. The government lock Susan away in a secret holding pen along with all the other 'monsters' they've discovered, and she's doomed to spend her life there. When an alien attack begins on San Francisco, Susan and her monster pals are released to do battle, but will they be able to save the world?
Well, the first thing that ...
I have to say I was a bit sceptical about watching this film. There's something about putting a monster in a children's film that seems wrong to me, but this was well received by the critics and this morning I sat down with my two year old to give it a go.
The story begins on Susan's wedding day. She's a nice woman, but seems to be marrying the wrong guy. Still, she need not worry because a mysterious object from outer-space soon turns her into a giant with super strength, which kind of puts a dampener on the day. The government lock Susan away in a secret holding pen along with all the other 'monsters' they've discovered, and she's doomed to spend her life there. When an alien attack begins on San Francisco, Susan and her monster pals are released to do battle, but will they be able to save the world?
Well, the first thing that ...
Contains mild threat and action violence, Contains mild threat and comic fight scenes
Video Category
Feature Film
Country Of Origin
United States of America
Plot
A group of monsters--including a supersized bride, a brilliant cockroach with a PhD, a bizarre ape-fish hybrid, a gelatinous and indestructible blob, and a 350 foot grub--are released from a government compound in order to defend mankind from an evil alien robot. In their heroic efforts, they prove that they each have something special to offer and that together they can really make a difference.
Release details
Studio(s)
PARAMOUNT, PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
DVD Region
DVD
Languages
Main Language
English
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Filmmakers' commentary, Modern Monster Movie Making, Tech of MONSTERS VS ALIENS, DWA Jukebox, Deleted scenes, Trailers
Aspect Ratio
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital
Professional reviews
Review
SHREK aside, DreamWorks CG 'toons have been eclipsed by Pixar's efforts, but this can go antennae-to-tentacle with the best of any studio... (Empire, 25/03/2009)
As with any good cartoon, the animators mix visual stunts with rimshot-worthy one-liners and verbal gags (Hollywood Reporter, 25/03/2009)
With a witty script and a collection of adorable characters, Monsters doesn't have a lot of emotional depth, but it's a well-designed crowd-pleaser (Screen International, 25/03/2009)
A snappy script and some neat 3D make for an above-average romp with plenty of in-jokes for cineastes and fan-boys alike (Total Film, 27/03/2009)
The grandeur of the effects -- the honest-to-God spectacle of the thing -- elevates MONSTERS VS ALIENS to something approaching art. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s most certainly a milestone (Village Voice, 25/03/2009)
DVD Description
Susan Murphy's (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) wedding day is rudely interrupted when from out of nowhere, she's hit by a falling meteor! Amazingly, she survives the collision and proceeds to walk down the aisle looking every inch the glowing bride... glowing green, that is. Things only get stranger once inside the church, as Susan suddenly grows to a colossal 49 feet 11 inches tall. Because of her new stature, she's branded a 'monster' and carted off to a secret government facility for genetic anomalies. There, she meets fellow outcasts; a brilliant cockroach with a PhD, a bizarre ape-fish hybrid, a gelatinous and indestructible blob, and a 350 foot grub. When an alien robot with an appetite for destruction lands on Earth, a desperate President calls for the monsters to be released in the hope that they will defend the very people who imprisoned them. Of course, the monsters oblige as they are basically good, despite their outward appearance. In their clumsy effort to save mankind from the alien threat, they prove that they each have something valuable to offer and that together they can really make a difference. DreamWorks Animation and directors Conrad Vernon (SHREK 2) and Rob Letterman (SHARK TALE) have created a fun adventure packed full of B-movie references, eye-popping 3D visuals, and quirky-looking monsters kicking alien butt.
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