Monsters vs Aliens (2009)

Newman gives the film a strongly positive verdict, saying it can compete with the best computer-animated films. He especially praises its outstanding 3-D action and affectionate, clever take on 1950s monster movies.

The critic finds it charming, funny and ingeniously detailed. They praise its smart scripting and superior craftsmanship as a valentine to B-movie creature features.

Bradshaw finds it great fun and good value, with playful pastiche of classic monster films. He notes that its gallery of freaky creatures may not engage young audiences as well as humanoid characters.

Ebert gives the film a positive verdict as an entertaining animated comedy. He singles out its visual humor and playful use of 3-D for praise.

The review regards the animated comedy as an entertaining but familiar studio spectacle. It singles out the film’s 3-D presentation as its clearest attraction.

The review finds the film lively and wacky, though it notes DreamWorks rarely reaches Pixar’s imaginative heights. It praises the fast pace and playful references to classic monster films.

Honeycutt finds it a clever, entertaining start for DreamWorks’ 3-D animation slate, though he questions whether the format could narrow animation’s ambitions. He praises its affectionate sci-fi references and lively mix of action, jokes, and tender moments.

Sharkey finds the film enjoyable but unlikely to become a classic, with its action and comedy never quite bold enough. She praises Susan’s female-empowerment arc and the clean, 1950s-inspired visual style.

Robinson finds the film lively and entertaining, but ultimately shallow and content to distract rather than innovate. She praises the monsters’ snappy banter while criticizing the celebrity-driven scenes that stall the action.

The available page identifies this as a review but reveals no critical verdict. Its praise or complaints cannot be determined from the paywalled text.

The review gives the film three out of five stars, indicating a middling verdict. The accessible page text does not reveal what the critic singled out for praise or complaint.

Schager finds the film mildly amusing but shallow, rushed, and lacking a coherent thematic backbone. He praises its technically adept, eye-popping 3D action, while noting its battles lack excitement and inventiveness.

McCarthy finds the film amusing and congenial but ultimately a moderate underachievement. He praises its 3-D spectacle and action, while faulting the monsters’ limited usefulness and the lack of bigger laughs or original invention.

Chapman finds the film thoroughly enjoyable, though its weak story and underdeveloped characters keep it from matching the best animated features. He praises the animation and vocal performances, particularly Kiefer Sutherland and Hugh Laurie.

Jackson finds the film lightweight amusement that gives children what they want, but offers little beyond that. He praises the well-chosen comic cast, particularly Seth Rogen and Stephen Colbert.

Sullivan finds the film merely OK and ultimately disappointing, despite expecting more from its promising comic premise. He praises the 3-D presentation and singles out Seth Rogen’s B.O.B. as the character who steals the picture.

Reynolds finds the film an unsatisfying mishmash that sacrifices heart and soul for easy laughs. He praises its visual style and some engaging characters, but says its slick spectacle and clichéd story fail to deliver.