OK for kids 7+
Homage to '50s alien flicks too intense for youngest kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, like The Incredibles, this movie is too violent and intense for the youngest viewers. There's gunfire, explosions, widespread destruction, crowds panicking, and some deaths -- including one in which a good guy picks up a gun and accidentally shoots a bad guy, with no real consequences. Much of this is played for laughs, but it could be quite scary for young kids. One of the good guys is briefly presumed dead, which could also be upsetting. On the other hand, language is mild ("jerk," "stupid," etc.), and sexuality is mostly just flirting and discussing love/marriage, though there's one scene in which a couple is about to make out in a parked car. The movie is being released in both 2-D and 3-D versions; the 3-D one could be scarier for kids due to the finer line between fantasy and reality.
- Families can talk about the impact of using violence -- even animated fantasy violence -- to elicit laughs. Why is it funny to see a character get shot? Would it have been as funny if it was a human (or monster) getting shot instead of a generic alien clone? What are the consequences of violence in real life?
- Families can also discuss how Susan's character evolves in the movie. How does she change, both physically and emotionally? Is she a good role model for girls? Why or why not?
The good stuff
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Messages: Teamwork and determination save the day here, but there's also a disrespect of authority figures who are shown as stupid and thoughtless.
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Role models: Main character is a self-reliant and confident girl. The monsters save the humans even though humans are at first scared and disgusted by them.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Lots of gunfire and big explosions, including some alien deaths (one via accidental ray-gun shooting). A "good guy" character is attacked and thought to be dead. The alien robot shoots at and nearly destroys the Golden Gate Bridge, along with everyone on it; the monsters' fight against him is fairly intense. Buildings are crushed. The president instructs the military to "do something violent" when his negotiations with the alien robot fail.
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Sexy stuff: A couple is in a parked car about to make out when an alien ship interrupts them. The general makes a gesture referring to Susan's breasts (but it will probably go over kids' head). BOB flirts with a Jell-o mold.
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Language: Some insults and mild language like "jerk," "stupid," "boobies," "jerk," and "idiot." One exclamation of "Sweet Lord!" during a chaotic moment and an "oh my God" (as well as one use of "OMG!").
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Cute!!! by Lgoaliefan
I really enjoyed the movie! All of the characters were fun!!!!
4
Cute by mnterry
I took my boys (12 and 4) to see the movie today at the matinee after school. It was cute. They enjoyed it and said that it lived up to their expectations of the movie from the previews. That's all that matters to me. I enjoyed it, but it's not something that I think an adult without children MUST SEE. It probably would've been super cool in 3-D though.
4
monsters vs. alians by randy85
Is a good movie for the family! Very funny for all ages
5
Monsters vs Aliens a Must See by KathyBart
OK, I love a great animated movie, and this one is well worth it for kida of all ages.
The monsters and aliens are not scary for little kids...We sat in a theater with kids as young as 2 years old and they liked the movie.
The movie reminded me of a couple other movies: Mars Attacks, War of the Worlds, The Day The Earth Stood Still.
Great animation, not too long of a movie, so kids are not bored. Funny movie. Well worth the price of the tickets.
5
Lots of laughs - cute movie, kid safe and outstanding graphics by c3ajeff
I took my kids (ages 12 and 14) to see Monsters vs Aliens. We opted to see the non-3D version, however after seeing the movie, it was obvious why the 3D version would be more fun. Even the regular version was a lot of fun and there were lots of laughs for both kids and adults.
Much of the humor was reference-based, so if you're a hermit or other cave dweller, you might not "get" a lot of the finely crafted humor.
5
Monsters Verses Aliens by AveryFamily3
WOW! My 10 my ten year old loved it. And it was so funny I loved it. Great family movie.
5
Monsters vs. Aliens by funbox16
Monsters vs. Aliens was a great movie. The beggining, middle, and end all flowed smoothly. It got me, and my whole family laughing out loud. Even my parents liked it. The plot was easy to follow, and the entire movie was exciting. If you have kids, take them to see this. This movie was worth every penny.
4
Monsters vs. Aliens by wbmselizabeth
This movie was so cute. My little brother loved it and he is 7. I really liked it also. It kind of taught my little brother that it is ok to be different. Like I said He loved it.
5
Aliens vs Monsters by gspurpleunicorn
Great Movie!!! Funny with real life situations mixed in. Enough action to keep the kids entertained.
5
Perfect for kids!! by mommycarter2
I took my eight year old son, his friend, and my two year old daughter. All three of them loved it, and I laughed quite a few times too. Very entertaining for the whole family, I was very impressed.