‘Monsters
vs. Aliens’ another goofy win for DreamWorks
By Ezra Mann (Editor
in Spoof)
(These articles have also been published at www.fuelltothefire.com and soon at www.b-scared.com )
Images are copyright of Dreamworks.
However, there is under a rare set of circumstances a chance that the battle between two long established forces actually produces something tolerable and the creators of “Shrek” seem to have reached this plateau. This may not even be the first time experiments gone wrong have faced off against otherworldly creatures, but it gets it right and with plenty of hilarity. “Monsters vs. Aliens” is everything the previews promised and more, a win for both Dreamworks and audiences.
The story of this film focuses partly on the world of Monsters, who by modern times are all locked away and no more than a government conspiracy (A clever ruse of paranoia if you will). B.O.B., a blob creature (played by Seth Rogen, who does such a good job at this role it might as well be the pinnacle of his career), Dr. Cockroach Ph.D. (Hugh Laurie) and The Missing Link (Will Arnett), a fishlike man, are examples of this race that would have never seen the light of day if it weren’t for a beyond this world obsession.
Enter Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson), a hideous squid-ish being who is so bent on collecting his favorite element that he’ll destroy any world, even a pitiful earth. This cunning villain might actually succeed in his diabolical plans if it weren’t for Susan Murphy who is later thrust into the conflict as Ginormica, lady of justice who is large and in charge. The movie is mostly meant for kids, but there are plenty of adult geared jokes including ones from the president (Stephen Colbert).
This movie should be safe enough for the whole family, barring we’re not all taken over by a sentient race that takes the flick personally. There could have been a few more classic jokes to make this a must have, but I can promise it is at least worth one theatrical viewing or a rental.
The story is left open enough as usual to milk the unnecessary amount of sequels, but maybe we’ll all be lucky and this one won’t be ruined by high ticket sales. (Though the opening weekend bid certainly will tempt studio numbskulls) In any case, I was rather happy with the effort, if at least something to distract from the ills of society. “Monsters vs. Aliens” is not a terrifying snore which earns it a sinister three and a half out of five cackles.