E.T go home! (Monsters vs Aliens (DVD))

Member Name: dididave

Product:	Monsters vs Aliens (DVD)
Date:	11/04/09 (152 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great animation, genuinely funny for all ages.

Disadvantages: Obsession with hair!

When Susan is hit by a meteorite on her wedding day she becomes a giant sized woman with super strength. Unfortunately, this means the US government have to take her down and impound her in a secure facility with all the other "monsters". However, an alien invasion soon changes the government's mind. Can Susan and her new found monster friends stop the alien invasion so she can return to her normal life?

"Monsters versus Aliens" is perfect family viewing. Funny and quick witted this is one of few films of late that will appeal to children and adults alike. Less schmaltzy than other recent 3D feature "Bolt" and far more entertaining, this is easily the best animated film I have seen since Disney's "The Incredibles". Forget about the 3D, as nice as it is to see monsters coming out of the screen and as engaging as this makes the film for a young cinema audience, this is a film that will transfer to two dimensions just as well.

The CGI is as excellent as you would expect from Dreamworks and is both convincing and colourful. I still don't get the obsession with hair in animated movies and this is yet another film that seems obsessed with concentrating on the female characters bouncy hairstyles. Nonetheless, this film is a step up in animation and is undoubtedly impressive.

As I have said this is would all be irrelevant if the film was merely style over substance. Fortunately, this is a genuinely entertaining and funny film. Actors never seem to be happier than when they are let loose in an animated role and this certainly seems to be the case for the likes of Kiefer Sutherland who is loving playing ridiculous US General W.R Monger and Hugh Laurie as Dr Cockroach. There are some hilarious scenes in this movie, none more so than the US President playing "Close Encounters" followed by "Axel F" as greeting to aliens on a Yamaha keyboard.

Slapstick fun for children and full of sci-fi in jokes for adults, this is a film with a broad appeal that should keep everyone happy. The knowing references and homages to films like "E.T", "The Blob" and "Shrek" hidden away will keep adults engaged while kids will love the silliness of the whole thing.

Monsters versus Aliens is one of those rare animated films in which it is difficult not to find something to like. Sharp and funny dialogue combine with fast pace to make this the funniest and most interesting family film in years.

Summary: Great family fun.