OK for kids 8+
Silly teens-versus-aliens adventure is sure to delight kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this alien adventure comedy stars Disney Channel and Nickelodeon veterans like Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical) and Austin Robert Butler (Zoey 101), so expect tweens and younger elementary schoolers to be interested.There's a heavy dose of physical humor and action, as well as some mildperil, but it's fairly mild compared to other tween-targetedfilms. The language includes frequent use of insults like "stupid," "idiot," and "tool," while the consumerism focuses heavily onelectronics (Nintendo, Mac, X-box, etc.).
- Families can talk about the movie's cartoonish violence. Will younger kids be frightened, or do you think they'll understand from the start that the aliens aren't all that evil?
- Parents can also discuss the kids' secrecy. Kids: is it generally a wise idea to keep important concerns from your parents?
- An important issue is raised when Tom, a "mathlete," says he'd rather hide his intelligence and tank his grades than be labeled a nerd. Why is this a dangerous message? Why does Tom change his mind?
- There's a noticeable amount of brand placement in the movie. What message do all those corporate logos send kids?
The good stuff
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Educational value: The educational value would be higher if the premise didn't involve keeping parents and other adults in authority out of the loop. But kids do learn the importance of family, teamwork, and that you should never pretend to be "dumb" just to look "cool."
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Messages: The cousins get along and learn to work together to save their parents (and all of humanity, for that matter). With youngest cousin Hannah leading the way, all of the cousins decide to help the kind, non-threatening alien.
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Role models: The cousins are all, in their own way, positive examples of brave, selfless kids willing to sacrifice their own safety for the greater good. They're creative with their problem-solving skills (how to effectively keep the aliens at bay).
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: The violence is mostly cartoonish -- although they're menacing, the aliens aren't scary. Most of the violence involves potato and paint guns, as well as other handmade weapons that the kids devise. The alien trio can control adult humans by shooting a small device into them, which leads to some humorous fight scenes a la The Matrix. A few possibly disturbing scenes involve Jake being tied and dragged away by the aliens and the aliens being temporarily expanded into giants. There's no blood, and no one dies.
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Sexy stuff: Heavy flirting between Bethany and her boyfriend Ricky, who picks her up while she's wearing a bikini and talks about "hooking up" and her "playing nursemaid" to him. He later says her friend is "smoking hot." The cousins talk about whether Ricky has gotten "to second base" with Bethany.
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Language: Mild insults are hurled frequently: "idiot," "stupid," "tool," "loser," "princess" (said to a guy), "dumb," "shut up." Other language includes "crap," "oh my God," "what the..." (not completed), and "heck."
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Consumerism: Many recognizable products are featured or mentioned: Coke/Diet Coke, Apple/Mac, Mentos, Trunki kids' suitcases, Altavision Grand Prix, Nintendo DS, X-box, the movie The Mask of Zorro, etc.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Much better than expected by 3kids41mom
I thought this looked horrible...my 9 and 14 did NOT want to see this, but my 6 year old did desperately. So, we went yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised. This was actually worth several good laughs. The overall message is a good one and we all had a good time and we all agreed it was better than G force. So, if you are looking for a way to spend a hot afternoon - GO! Plus I enjoyed the family was portrayed as a real fighting family that says unkind things to each other BUT when the going gets tough, they band together and show the real caring and love for each other. They looked like a real family - not a sugar glazed hollywood confection.
1
Not a Fan!!!! by graydon1
I don't know who gives out ratings but they obviously do not have small childeren. I took my three kids to see this trash ages 5,7 9. I left after the first 30 min!!!It was completely inappropriate for their ages. Within the first 25 min of the movie we must watch Ashley Tisdale sunbathing half naked and then throw herself at her "boytoy" boyfriend and watch as she gushes all over herself applying lotion all over his chest. Their is alot of sexually suggestive material. and the violence isn't cute its dark. Plus the adult actors are total zeros from the eighties story line is weak and predictable . It wouldn't even rate as a C movie forget B!! Great for the male high school crowd...Keep your kids at home.
4
Aliens in the attic by machadomach2
It was very entertaining for children and adults alike. I took 9 little girls to see it and they loved it! Stay seated when it ends because there is a funny scene after a little bit of the credits
5
omg by edwardgirl101
I Love it. And i'm like teenager. It was soooo funny
4
Not an Oscar nomination, but defiently worht seeing. IEntertaining for both my 70 year old parents as well as my 10 and 12 year old by Dr Zhivago
Definetly worth seeing. Entertaining for both my 70 year old parents as well as my 10 and 12 year old
5
Great for kids by jrfussell
Grandpa and Grandma took the grandkids ages 10 and 12. Couldn't figure out who enjoyed it the most. Grandma laughed the loudest. It was exciting from beginning to end. Showed the real challenges that youth face trying to cope with family, cousins and siblings.AND THE RESULTS WERE GOOD imagine that. We are still talking about our "favorite parts" of the movie; and who we would choose to "zombie" if we just had that gun.
4
Aliens in the Attic by GregPalazzo
Great movie for kids. Very entertaining for kids as well as adults.
5
awesome movie by ghostface23
this movie is awesome for comedy lovers also for action maniacs but drama not aa good movie the eliens look like the ones on dragon ball z so i gess the y copied them the main reason i went to see the movie was ashley tisdale she is extremely hottttttt so how ever likes comedy go see it ,action go wath it, drama seee harry potter
5
Hilarious end of summer romp......fun for the kids and parents by gf.buyer
I did not have a lot of expectations walking into the theater. When I walked out, laughing, I was really glad to have seen the movie with my 8yo boy, 5yo girl and wife. This is certainly no deep message artsy sophisticated vehicle, but for an end of summer laugh-fest you can't go wrong. There is a lot of physical humor, alien adventure, kid / parent tension, growing pains as children become themselves. Also there are a bunch of spoofs in the movie for the parents that work very well.
We all laughed from start to finish. Very enjoyable afternoon at the movies !
4
Held their attention by cjsluv44
This movie was cute from the beginning. It had just enough personality, humor, action and thrills to keep my 7year old and 11 year old in their seats. They even rushed back from the bathroom so they wouldn't miss a scene. A must see if only to get them out of the house one last time before school starts. Some slightly sexual scenes so be prepared to cover eyes in the first half...overal B+ for kids...not bad for parents.