MONSTERS VERSUS ALIENS: REVIEW (SHORT)

There has only been one good movie with the word ‘vs’ in the title. That would be Kramer vs. Kramer (not to be confused with Freddy vs. Jason, or Alien vs Predator, or Tango v. Cash.) Monsters v. Aliens does not buck the trend, exactly- it’s not great, but it doesn’t suck either.

Reese Witherspoon is a Giant Woman, Will “GOB” Arnett is the missing link, and Seth Rogen is a brainless blob named B.O.B. They live in an underground cell, until an alien lands and starts messing up the joint. The alien is named Galaxhaar, played by Rainn Wilson, and he’s not nearly as funny as he thinks he is. Lots of stuff blows up real good, some of it resulting in laughs, others, in groans.

It’s pretty much an airplane movie, with the exception of the Steven Colbert as the President. If such a concept gives you the giggles, I assure you, it’s even funnier when he tries to communicate with the aliens via a Casio keyboard.

I also liked the absurdity of B.O.B.’s stupidty, which is inspired. (When everyone thinks the end is near and is saying goodbyes, B.O.B. muses: “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. For lunch.”)

But Madagascar 2 had 4 penguins and 2 lemurs. Monsters v. Aliens has but two funny creatures. Bolt only had one. You see how it goes.

RATING: * * Stars (out of 5)

P.S. I originally gave this movie a C+, but it's faded in memory, and I don't feel like it ever got to 3 star status. Not that 3 stars is some grand endorsement, but there's got to be some quality control around here.