Story
In this animated adventure, bride-to-be Susan Murphy (voice of Reece Witherspoon) is struck by a falling meteorite containing ‘quantonium’. This substance transforms her into a giant before she can be married to her fiancé Derek (voice of Paul Rudd). Captured and locked away in a secret government compound, Susan befriends other monsters also detained there. Among them are B.O.B. (voice of Seth Rogen), the Missing Link (voice of Will Arnett) and Dr Cockroach (voice of Hugh Laurie).
Elsewhere in the universe, Galaxar (Rainn Wilson), a tyrannical alien leader on the trail of quantonium, discovers a deposit on Earth and wants it for himself. This causes a conflict between aliens and earthlings. The government decides to send the monsters in to destroy the aliens and save the planet once and for all. Now Susan has to choose whether to lead the rag-tag group of misfits to glory or return to her former life when given the chance.
Themes
Destruction of earth; separation from family; aliens
Violence
There is some violence in this movie. For example:
Sexual references
There are some sexual references in this movie. For example:
- ‘It’s a boy. Look at its boobies.’
- The General holds up his hands while describing Susan, to represent her breast size.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
There is some use of substances in this movie. For example, Dr Cockroach makes a cocktail drink that explodes.
Nudity and sexual activity
There is some nudity and sexual activity in this movie. For example:
- One of the government officials needs to scan several parts of his body, including his naked bottom, to gain access to the command centre.
- Susan and Derek kiss. On one occasion, the giant version of Susan almost sucks Derek into her mouth.
- One of the aides in the command centre has his underpants pulled up out of his trousers and is given a ‘wedgie’.
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
This movie contains some mild coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Monsters vs. Aliens is an animated action/science-fiction movie, which is not suitable for very young children.
The main messages from this movie are:
- Believe in yourself and stand by your morals.
- Good will conquer evil.
Values in this movie that you might wish to reinforce with your children include:
- courage and persistence
- friendship and acceptance of differences
- the desire to do what’s right.
This movie could also give you the opportunity to discuss with your children the following issues:
- natural disaster
- violence and the use of weapons
- self-centred or egotistical pursuits
- dominance and bullying behaviour.