Mom & tot movie review: 'Monsters vs. Aliens'

March 27, 7:06 PMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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The new animated movie Monsters vs Aliens hit theaters today. My 3 year old and I went to go see it this afternoon. She gets so excited by aliens and monsters stuff (and so do I) so this one was a must see for us.

Monsters Vs Aliens features the voice talents of lots of big names like Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, Steven Colbert, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie and many others. The animation is fantastic and what you've come to expect from a Dreamworks picture. 

Though not as great as WALL-E, Monsters vs Aliens is a fun movie that will delight little ones and hold their attention. My three year old LOVED this movie. She laughed and didn't stop watching for a second of the hour and 34 minute run time. And neither did other kids in our theater. Everyone sat and watched and laughed, kids and adults alike.

Afterward I asked her what her favorite part was and she said B.O.B. the blue goo monster voiced by Seth Rogen. Probably going to be everyone's favorite part, no matter the age. He had lots of fun lines and was a real likable guy.

There were parts just for adults - like a quick X-Files reference and a musical homage scene to Close Encounters of the Third Kind- that made me (and the other adults around me) laugh out loud.

I've seen several reviews that say this movie doesn't hold up to other recent animated movies, but I disagree. It may not be for everyone, but any kid that loves goo, monsters, aliens, and spaceships is going to enjoy this one, and so will their sci-fi loving parents. It's nice to see something truly for kids in the sci-fi genre.

The movie starts slow (for kids) with a set up scene explaining how Gignormica (voiced by Reece Witherspoon) became ginormous. And there are a few scenes showing violence, but nothing graphic by any means. Kids that are scared of monsters may be scared of the giant robotic probe with one eye sent by Gallaxhar the alien to Earth. He's a bit intimidating. Otherwise, this movie might be a good one to get little ones with monster fears over those feelings and turn them into little monster lovers with these guys that are definitely all softies.

Monsters vs Aliens also teaches some good lessons... like believing in ourself, embracing your differences and the importance of friends and teamwork.

Here's the Monsters Vs Aliens trailer to check out before you go. If your kids like this trailer, they'll enjoy the whole film: