Preview: Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)

Synopsis:

When aliens invade, the government decides to unleash the monsters it has imprisoned in order to hopefully thwart the invading forces.

• Poster: D-

Review:

This could be a placeholder or it could be a serious attempt at a poster. The former would be entirely understandable. The latter would be a head-scratcher as it's not enticing or welcoming and certainly not entertaining.

• Trailer: B; C

Review:

It's a very disturbing day when two trailers for animated films come out in one week, one from Pixar and one from DreamWorks, and the DreamWorks one looks better. While I doubt the end result will remain that way, at least in the trailer wars, DW wins. This looks like a delightfully humorous film that seems to blend the styles of Monsters, Inc. and The Incredibles, two successful Pixar releases.

What looked like a promising concept looks all the more childish in this smaller ad. Focusing mostly on the sight gags and silly humor that has made many potentially wonderful animated films feel more kid-like than adult-friendly, this new trailer may have destroyed my personal interest in the film.

Oscar Prospects:

I wouldn't doubt if this is one of the 3 to 5 nominees for the 82nd Academy Awards.

Release Date:

• March 27, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

A film that relies more on gimmicks than on plotting.

• Full Review: Monsters vs. Aliens

-Wesley Lovell (November 9, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (November 23, 2008) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (February 8, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (April 4, 2010) Added Review Link