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Age by Age Review For: Monsters vs. Aliens
Monsters vs. Aliens
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On DVD Now
Best For Kids (6-9)
Rated PG
Age-By-Age Guide
Action Adventure | Animation
When bride-to-be Susan Murphy (Reese Witherspoon) is hit by a meteor and grows to be almost 50 feet tall, the government dubs her "Ginormica," locks her away as a monster, and then sets her free to fight the aliens who have come to take over Earth.

DreamWorks uses 3-D for all it's worth in this animated adventure that will have young viewers laughing, reaching out for chunks of meteor being hurled at them, and ducking as a red paddleball aims straight for their head. The story itself has far less dimension than the dazzling effects, although it's empowering for girls to see a female hero tower over the boys--both literally and figuratively. It's unlikely the movie will have the same impact on DVD, so bring the family to see it in IMAX for an experience that's fun, a technical feat, and definitely in your face.
Baby (0-2)
No This movie is intended for older children.
Preschool (3-5)
Maybe The movie is probably too intense for very young children, who will fidget with the 3-D glasses and may find the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge being destroyed right in front of their eyes too disturbing. Five-year-olds are likely to be awestruck by the 3-D effects and will love feeling like they're right in the middle of the action!
Kids (6-9)
Yes Kids will be fascinated by Ginormica's peers, especially the lovable--and confused--gelatinous blob named B.O.B., who flirts with a Jello mold and is just a big hugger. They'll think it's hilarious when he tries to convince the others Susan is a boy, saying "look at his boobies!" Girls will find it empowering that Susan finally leaves her ex-fiance in the dust after realizing how selfish he is, and announces, "I'm not going to shortchange myself ever again."
Tweens (10-12)
Maybe Even though many tweens think they've outgrown these animated movies, they may still want to see this one for the 3-D effects. Older kids may actually enjoy the sci-fi references and Susan's personal stories. They'll realize that sometimes you have to get hit by a meteor in order to see the truth.
--Lois Alter Mark, the Flicks for Kids Expert
Points For Parents
Movie Pluses

  • Empowers girls
  • Encourages imagination
Movie Minuses

  • Cartoonish violence
  • Some suggestiveness