Monsters vs Aliens
Digital News Report- When I heard that Stephen Colbert would be playing the President in Dreamworks new movie Monsters vs. Aliens, how could I not want to see it? His vocal performance didn’t disappoint. The role seems like it was written for him with his code name being “Papa Bear” (which is Colbert’s pet name for Bill O’Reilly) along with his arrogant pop culture obsessed personality. Despite the fact that his scenes are few and far between, they are well worth the price of admission.
But don’t discount my obsession with Colbert as meaning that the rest of the film wasn’t good. On the contrary, it was great. Despite the fact that most of the characters are general archetypes (the mad scientist, the comic relief, the no nonsense army general, etc) and the plot is basic, it still kept me interested throughout. There is just enough heart in the characters to keep them interesting and unique, despite the generic persona initially introduced.
Though the film is aimed at children, like most modern day cartoons the majority of the humor goes right over kids’ heads. When the President starts playing the Close Encounters theme at the alien spacecraft, the kids in the audience I was with were quiet and confused. The parents, however, were rolling in the aisles through the entire sequence. There are moments of questionable appropriateness for children as well. For parents who think that the words “jerk” and “boobies” are too crude for your kid, this isn’t the film for you. Also beware of a (rather hilarious) poop joke.
Reese Witherspoon and Hugh Laurie are two other fantastic voices in the film. Their characters are charming and infused with just enough of the actors’ persona (Laurie is Doctor Cockroach and Witherspoon is the sweet giant, Susan) to be appealing, but not distracting.
Overall, I recommend this film for a general audience. However, it really isn’t a young kids movie. The humor may leave many youngins confused or bored. But parents should love it.
Grade: B
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