Another in a long line of non-Disney animated mediocrity, Planet 51 proudly carries the torch of its brethren. It's not that it was a bad movie, it was just not great. Graphically, it was astounding. Gorgeous, colorful visuals that definitely helped to transport the audience to this world. The story began with an interesting idea, but kind of broke apart upon its telling. The U.S.A. has sent a survey to a previously thought, uninhabited world. As it turns out, this world is occupied by aliens (well, natives) that have, apparently, paralleled our society up to the 1950's. Including the music (exact Earth songs of the time period), culture, and, most amazingly, the paranoia. This society seems to have watched every invasion movie, then incorporated the overbearing fear of said invasions, into their everyday lives. It's like the "Red Scare" only on crack. There are a few laughs, more for the kids than the adults, but they are there. A whole lot of 50's sci-fi in jokes also make their way on screen that gave me a chuckle or two.
The cast is comprised of a group of Hollywood mainstays: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Justin Long, Jessica Biel, and Gary Oldman. I love Gary Oldman, but I'm thinking that animation is not the best format for his talents. I would not have known it was him if not for seeing his name in the credits. Johnson goes very playful, and not at all the usual tough guy audiences are used to, and actually kind of pulls it off.
A very "blah" movie for me, but if you have kids, they will probably have a blast. Worth a look if you have access to a high-def version, as I said, visually amazing. Check it out if nothing else is on that night, but ultimately forgettable. 6.25/10
Tomorrow's movie: One of my favorite Saturday morning shows as a kid makes it's way to 2009, as Will Ferrell goes up against some CG dinosaurs in Land of the Lost. I guess Sid and Marty Krofft needed the cash. I can only hope for an H.R. Puffinstuff movie. See you then, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!
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