Pixar makes literature, Hayao Miyazaki makes art, Dreamworks makes fluffy gagfests. Monsters vs. Aliens (which I saw in 2D because my theater listing lied to me) is that third thing. And I don’t just mean it was made by Dreamworks. But that’s all right. Fluffy gagfest is probably best when your title gives away so much of the plot.

Oh there’s more to it than that. Reese Witherspoon plays meek and sweet Ginormica, a woman who’s height makes her fiance abort the wedding. She’s captured by the government and soon finds herself penned in with Dr. Cockroach, a blob named B.O.B, a giant grub named Insectosaurus, and a fish man who’s a wise-cracking cut-up. There’s really only one alien here but the title proves literally true as these good guy monsters try to defeat the alien and his giant robots.

The only time I wished for 3D was during a head-spinning chase through actual neighborhoods in San Francisco culminating with a Harry Hausenesque monster fight on the Golden Gate Bridge. The other highlight is the moronic US President played by and modeled after Stephen Colbert. “You all saw it! I made an appearance at the disaster area … now we can go!”

The story is all about Ginormica and her massive size and equally huge insecurities. At first the power is a curse, but she grows into it. The rest of the characters are pretty drab. Except for Insectosaurus (genius) and Rogan as B.O.B is frequently hilarious. Not a bad movie, probably better in 3D, but not brilliant otherwise in any meaningful way.

KID FACTOR

The movie has some scares and a touch of adult humor but all of it will sail over kids heads. The characters are so cheerful, you forget that they’ve been imprisioned for decades. There’s nothing upsetting except for one effective, the rest ineffective, false death scenes.

5+

Tags: Misc, Movies with Children