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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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 MOVIE REVIEW 
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Monsters Looks Great, Lacks Oomph

Dreamworks' 3-D stunner stuck with one-dimensional storyline

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(Newser) – Monsters Vs. Aliens looks amazing on screen, but grownups may find the thin jokes and the storyline of Dreamworks' animated spoof of '50s flicks a little grating, say critics.

  • James Rocchi, Redbox: The movie "has amazing 3D, solid gags, wacky concepts and great animation; I just wish that at some point along the way someone had been as passionate about the story as they were about the spectacle."

  •  Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: It doesn't measure up to Wall-E, but it's still an "animated funhouse that delivers on its title and ups its scary-comic impact if you see it in 3-D."
  • Todd McCarthy, Variety: "The dust-up involving one-of-a-kind mutants and space invaders boasts sufficent jokes and eye-popping action," but "that extra inspiration needed to knock it out of the park is noticably missing."

Ginormica, voiced by Reese Witherspoon, powers through the atmosphere in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's 3D film,
Ginormica, voiced by Reese Witherspoon, powers through the atmosphere in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's 3D film, "Monsters vs. Aliens."   (AP Photo/ DreamWorks Animation LLC)
Dr. Cockroach, voiced by Hugh Laurie, and B.O.B., voiced by Seth Rogen, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's
Dr. Cockroach, voiced by Hugh Laurie, and B.O.B., voiced by Seth Rogen, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's "Monsters vs. Aliens."   (AP Photo/ DreamWorks Animation LLC)
Ginormica, voiced by Reese Witherspoon, powers through the atmosphere in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's
Ginormica, voiced by Reese Witherspoon, powers through the atmosphere in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's "Monsters vs. Aliens."   (AP Photo/ DreamWorks Animation LLC)
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Trailer for "Monsters Vs. Aliens."   (YouTube)

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3 comments
VIEWING:
 
Forderon
Mar 27, 09 11:17 AM CDT
Interesting take on 3D movies: http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Why-3D-Movies-Represent-Everything-Wrong-With-Our-Country-12500.html --------------- I agree completely. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Newser001
Apr 4, 09 10:26 PM CDT
I read the link... and yes, there's substance in what he said...
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Newser001
Apr 4, 09 10:25 PM CDT
Substance is the issue here. I just saw Monsters Vs. Aliens with my 8 year old today in 2-D. The film lacked the luster of a decent plot (script) and characters (i.e., Shrek series, Monster's Inc., Incredibles)... It lacked the balance of adult / child hooks. But she enjoyed it immensely and that's all that really matters. Perhaps if we viewed it in 3-D it may have had more punch. In the lobby, there appears to be a plethora of 3-D movies on there way... oy. BTW, we saw Race to Witch Mountain today, as well. She preferred Monsters Vs. Aliens - I, neither. Reply
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