A hidden gem, don't miss out on this one. (Monsters vs Aliens (DVD))

Member Name: Benjammar

Product:	Monsters vs Aliens (DVD)
Date:	06/07/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent characters, fantastic jokes. Entertaining from start to finish

Disadvantages: Lack of story and no cute factor. Slightly on the short side

Monsters vs Aliens, aren't they the same thing? Evidently not in this case! This is probably one of the few animated films where the trailer didn't make me laugh; yet still, I wanted to see this film quite badly. Although the trailer didn't have the best jokes I knew that the idea of the film was a good one and could make a very entertaining film. DreamWorks seem to be churning out animated films at an impressive rate at the moment which does suggest that some will do badly and be forgotten about. I had a feeling Monsters vs Aliens could be one of those films, so will it be remembered?

The Plot

It's the wedding day of Susan Murphy and Derek Dietl when we witness an explosion in out of space where meteorites are sent out in all direction; of which one is heading towards earth. Moments before getting married Susan is the unlucky one who gets crushed by the meteorite. However instead of dying in an horrible accident Susan picks herself up and walks away. Moments later she starts glowing green and starts to grow into a giant 50 feet woman! The US government tracked the meteorite and is instantly on the scene capturing Susan and locking her away in a top secret location where monsters are kept.

Here we meet the other monsters of the film; Bob (An indestructible gelatinous mass), Dr. Cockroach (A mad scientist turned cockroach after a lab experiment), The Missing Link (a 20,000 year old fish ape) and Insectosaurus (A small grub made huge by a nuclear explosion). These monsters have been living here for 50 years and are not allowed to leave as the human population is too afraid of them. A month later the monsters are given a life line when the evil alien Gallaxhar sets out to invade earth so he can recapture a powerful element, Quantonium. Quantonium is the same substance which transformed Susan into a giant human being. The US government arrange a deal with the monsters in that they are given their freedom provided by the prevent the alien attack. The monsters of course accept the offer.

The Cast

Susan Murphy - Reese Witherspoon
Bob - Seth Rogen
Dr. Cockroach - Hugh Laurie
The Missing Link - Will Arnett
General W.R Monger - Kiefer Sutherland
Gallaxhar - Rainn Wilson
President Hathway - Stephen Colbert
Derek Dietl - Paul Rudd

General W.R Monger and President Hathway are not vital to the story however they are regular side characters and do add to the film a great deal.

The Good

From start to finish this film is seriously funny stuff. All the way through I found myself laughing and entertained. On the whole the jokes are predictable and can be expected but still made me burst out laughing. When you know a jokes coming but it still makes you laugh it has to be funny! There are still some surprising moments which I hope will be remembered for along time because they are truly fantastic. President Hathway's first contact with the alien robot is a prime example of this.

Animated films are known for having a mix of varied characters to form a united group and monsters vs aliens is certainly no different. All of them are brilliant here, normally there is at least one which lets the film down or can be annoying but they are all very likeable and all have tones of good jokes to accompany them. If I was to pick one it would probably have to be Bob, he just edges it above the rest although if Insectosaurus was in the film more he may have just stolen the show. His (Or her, I'm not quite sure!) face and groan crack me up every time I see them. The characters combine really well and play off each other very nicely.

President Hathway is excellently portrayed as the irresponsible and useless American president. He and General W.R Monger have some brilliant jokes between the two; it's a shame they aren't in the film more as there is never a dull scene with either of them in it. General W.R Monger has been written in very cleverly, he gives the impression of a strict army general who you`re meant to hate but he comes through as the patriotic, but incredibly funny, leader towards the end.

The film is set at a high tempo. Lasting at about 80 minutes it is non stop from start to finish. There is never a lull in the action or a boring moment. With this high tempo there is also no sob story. There is no genuine sad moment or girly 'Awwwwwwww' scene. It definitely appeals to older audiences as it skips out all the kiddy aspects which animated films are so commonly associated with. This is one of the reasons why I love this film.

The Bad

I honestly don't think there is much wrong with this film. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I think it could have done with being a bit longer. Animated films don't tend to be long films but 80 minutes did feel a little on the short side. With the film being this short there was also little room for character development. You don't get to learn much about the history of each monster and there isn't any development of the relationships between the monsters. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as 99% of animated films start with the characters falling out but getting along by the end; it's been done to death essentially.

Some will be annoyed at the lack of story. There is a small plot line of how Susan and Derek deal with her growing to 50 feet however it's never really very important. There is no moral to the story and there is no love aspect in the film. This is simply about one thing, Monsters vs Aliens. There is no cute factor to this film which the majority of animated films do have. Personally I'm glad there is no kiddy cuteness to it; this way Monsters vs Aliens focuses on the jokes more (And it really shows!). The comedy does make up for a lack of story but picky film fans will notice it.

Overall

A surprising favorite of mine. Thoroughly entertaining and very funny from start to finish. It sacrifices the cute factor for more jokes, exactly what I want in a film! However for this reason I don't think it will be remembered along side the great animated films. The likes of Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Wall-E were such hits because they weren't just funny; they had a heart warming story to go with them. Monsters vs Aliens doesn't have this but it is definitely a must watch

Summary: Won't be remembered by many but a personal favorite of mine, go watch it!