Movie Review: “Monster vs. Aliens”

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DreamWorks Animation has made heroes out of humble insects in “Antz” and grumpy, but loveable ogres and talkative donkeys in the “Shrek” series. Now, in its latest offering, we’re asked to root for a giant blue blob with one eye, a genius cockroach and a 49-foot-tall woman.

Thanks to a terrific cast of voice actors and a broadly funny script, “Monsters Vs. Aliens” has me—and will likely have you—cheering and laughing our heads off.

Spoofing the science fiction “B” movies of the 1950’s and ’60’s, it tells the story of a group of so-called “monsters,” such as Susan Murphy (voiced by Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon.) As a girl, she’s struck by a meteorite and grows very, very tall in a big hurry. She is taken to a secret Army base, where she is kept with a group of other unusual subjects such as Dr. Cockroach (voiced by “House” star Hugh Laurie) and B.O.B., a large, blue blob with one eye and a mouth, who’s nearly as dumb as Doc Cockroach is smart, but who’s always ready to help.

That’s important, because the planet has been threatened by Gallxhan (hilariously voiced by The Office’s Rainn Wilson) and all other attempts to deter him and his forces have failed.

The monsters are our last hope.

Directors Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon have crafted a wacky world of creatures and people that expertly tickles the funny born while pleasing the eye. The humor here is broad and occasionally slightly crude, but never unnecessarily offensive.

Seth Rogen’s B.O.B. is the film’s go-to character for laughs and he never lets you down. A sub-plot about acceptances and differences is a nice touch by screenwriters Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodansky.

While it doesn’t match the level of craftsmanship of the Disney/Pixar films, “Monsters vs. Aliens” should make anyone looking for a good, amusing time at the movies pretty
happy. 3-D versions of the film can be seen at selected theaters. MPAA Rating: PG for cartoonish violence, slightly crude humor and mildly adult language. Joe’s Rating: Three (***) Stars.

ALSO OPENING MARCH 27:
—“The Haunting In Connecticut:”  The movie’s trailer makes it look like a better made, more expensive version of The Amityville Horror. Not screened in time for review. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for profanity, violence and supernatural themes.
—“12 Rounds:” Point for the movie: It’s directed by Renny Harlin, who did a very good job on the second “Die Hard” movie. Point against the movie: 20th Century Fox wouldn’t screen it for critics prior to release. In other words, let the buyer beware. MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense action/violence and profanity.
STILL IN THEATERS
—“Duplicity:” Clever and witty.  PG-13
—“The Great Buck Howard:” The funny combination of show biz story and coming of age tale, with John Malkovich and Collin and Tom Hanks. PG-13
—“Sunshine Cleaning:” Quirky and sweet. Starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Steve Zahn and Alan Arkin. R

Joe Barber’s reviews can be heard Fridays through Sundays on WTOP-FM (103.5, 103.9, 107.7 & Wtop.com.) He can be seen regularly on WETA-TV’s Around Town.