Monsters vs. Aliens (2009) - Movie Review

MPAA Rating: PG, for sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language
Genre: Animated/Family/Comedy/Action
Age range: 5 years+
Runtime: Approx. 94 minutes
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Rainn Wilson, Stephen Colbert, Kiefer Sutherland and Paul Rudd
Studio: DreamWorks Pictures
Release Date: March 27, 2009

Monsters vs. Aliens - Overview

After being hit by a meteor full of outer space gunk, bride-to-be Susan Murphy grows to 49-feet-11-inches tall. Her wedding plans are squelched when government agents come and take her away before she even realizes what has happened to her. Now, alone without her family and beloved fiance, Derek, Susan is trapped in a government facility with a group of miscellaneous monsters.

Dr. Cockroach, a scientist who accidentally turned himself into a bug; B.O.B., a big, blue gelatinous mass with one eye; The Missing Link, an ape-fish dude; and a 350-foot grub named Insectosaurus all inhabit the facility with Susan, who is named Ginormica by her captors. Just as her despair is sinking in, however, she is given a chance for freedom. General W.R. Monger convinces the President that the monsters are the only ones who can save earth from from an invading giant alien robot and those who sent it; if they succeed, the monsters are assured they will be let go.

With thoughts of her beloved Derek giving her the courage to go on, Ginormica sets out with the others to stop the destructive bot and the evil alien, Gallaxhar, who sent it to earth. Ginormica may be almost 50 feet tall, but can she and this ridiculous group of monsters really save the world from the sophisticated alien invaders?

Monsters vs. Aliens - Guide Review for Parents

In theaters, the 3D special effects in Monsters vs. Aliens added a needed bit of fun to the often funny but not all that interesting movie. Kids will likely enjoy the special effects, the silly monsters, and the jokes in the movie, but the story lacks in depth and details. The story has an overall positive message, but that is diluted by the ending. If Susan learns that she is capable and strong being herself, should she end up as Ginormica, or go back to her old life a new woman?

Very young children may be frightened by the alien robot and Gallaxhar, but the cartoonish characteristics of the bad guys soften the fear factor. The movie contains a fair amount of cartoon violence, but it is generally unrealistic and non-threatening. The film also contains a few mildly crude jokes and a couple of OMG or related phrases. For a more detailed explanation of possibly offensive or frightening content, see overview below.

Monsters vs. Aliens - Content Overview

The following lists a few of the most prominent examples of possibly offensive content in the movie (may contain spoilers):

Violence (High)
- After Susan becomes huge, soldiers come and tie her down and take her against her will, giving her a shot of some kind of sedative to put her to sleep.
- The evil alien Gallaxhar instructs his bot to destroy everything in its search for the material Gallaxhar desires.
- After soldiers fail to bring the bot down using all kinds of guns, tanks and other weapons, The President tells it to "eat lead" and shoots at it. Guns are used throughout the movie, buildings are destroyed, cars smashed, and more, but there is no blood or gore, and all of the violence is unrealistic and cartoonish.

Sex/Nudity (Low)
- Susan's wedding dress becomes very skimpy as she grows to 49 feet tall.
- A girl and guy are shown in a parked car. The girl obviously wants some affection, but the boy is not taking her up on it.
- One monster says that another monster is a boy and tells all to look at his "boobies."
- The side of a man's bare bottom is shown.

Language (Low)
- The words "Oh my God" and variations of the phrase are used several times.
- Crude or rude words such as "pee," "butt," "nerd," and "lame" are used.

Alcohol/Drugs (Low)
- Champagne is mentioned.

Bad/Disrespectful Behavior (High)
- One character gives another a wedgie.
- The President calls for a "code brown," meaning he has a need to go change his pants.
- Derek is self-centered and always puts his career first.

Scary Scenes (Medium)
- The scenes listed under violence may be particularly frightening for young children.
- Children may be frightened when Susan is taken by the government, or when the monsters are battling the one-eyed robot.
- Susan gets captured by Gallaxhar and is held captive in his spaceship. He threatens to destroy her.

Sad/Unsettling Scenes (Low)
- For a time, it appears that one of the characters is dead.
- Susan is distraught when her boyfriend breaks up with her.

Monsters vs. Aliens - Discuss the Movie

• After watching Monsters vs Aliens, children may have questions about the following topics: monsters, aliens, meteors, top secret government facilities, weddings, science experiments.