Monsters vs. Aliensa.k.a. “Monsters vs. Aliens: An IMAX 3D Experience,” “Monstres contre Aliens,” “Monstros vs. Alienigenas,” “Monstros vs. Aliens,” “Cudovista protiv vanzemaljaca,” “Möröt vastaan muukalaiset,” “Monstra versus vetrelci,” “Monstri contra extraterestri,” “Terata ki exogiinoi,” “Canavarlar yaratiklara karsi”

MPAA Rating:

for sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language.

Reviewed by: David Criswell, Ph.D.
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating:

Average

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Moviemaking Quality:

Primary Audience:

Kids, Family, Teens, Adults

Genre:

Animation, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Kids, Family

Length:

1 hr. 34 min.

Year of Release:

2009

USA Release:

March 27, 2009 (wide—3,500 theaters)
DVD: September 29, 2009

Relevant Issues

EXTRATERRESTRIALS—Are we alone, or is there lots of life elsewhere in the universe? Answer

BIBLE AND ETs—What does the Bible say about intelligent life on other planets? Answer

Does Scripture refer to life in space? Answer

Featuring:	Reese Witherspoon “Walk the Line,” “Rendition” Seth Rogen “Knocked Up,” “Superbad” Will Arnett TV's “Arrested Development,” “Blades of Glory” Kiefer Sutherland TV's “24,” “Phone Booth” Hugh Laurie TV's “House,” “Stuart Little” Rainn Wilson “Juno,” TV's “The Office” Stephen Colbert TV's “The Colbert Report,” “Bewitched” Paul Rudd “Knocked Up,” “Night at the Museum” Julie White, Jeffrey Tambor, Amy Poehler, Ed Helms, Renée Zellweger, John Krasinski, Sean Bishop, Bo Dietl, Stephen Kearin, Rob Letterman, Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Mike Mitchell, Kent Osborne, Latifa Ouaou, Geoffrey Pomeroy, David Smith, Lisa Stewart, Conrad Vernon
Director:	Rob Letterman “Shark Tale” Conrad Vernon “Shrek 2”
Producer:	DreamWorks Animation, Jill Hopper, Latifa Ouaou, Lisa Stewart
Distributor:	DreamWorks Distribution

“Alien problem? Monster solution.”

In 2000 Dreamworks released “The Road to El Dorado.” Though a good film it was not by any means a film for children. Apparently Dreamworks has not quite learned their lesson. “Monsters Vs. Aliens” is not as kid-unfriendly as that film, but it certainly is something that many Christian parents may want to think twice about before taking their young children. Older children will probably not have a problem, but “Monsters Vs. Aliens” takes its parody of 50s horror movies to the hilt, resulting in a movie that is mixed in results.

“Monsters Vs. Aliens” proudly mocks everything from 50s flicks ranging from “The Fly,” “The Blob,” “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman,” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” to modern films like “Close Encounters” and even “Star Wars Attack of the Clones.” In some respects it reminded me of Tim Burton's “Mars Attacks.” The films opens with a young woman who is about to married. Susan is, however, hit by a meteor which turns her into a giant woman with amazing strength and power. She is immediately captured by the government which sends her to a secret facility where monsters have been kept secret for years. When an alien invasion occurs, however, the government offers freedom to the monsters if they will help. Our heroes (the monsters) then set out to defeat the aliens and save the world. Yes, that is about as thick as the plot gets. Now, considering the subject matter, this is not a bad thing, but ultimately it seems almost directionless. It seems as if the writers strung a bunch of jokes and parodies of 50s horror films together, but forgot to weave them tightly. Perhaps this is somewhat of an unfair criticism, but I found myself comparing it unfavorably to Pixar's “The Incredibles” which was vastly superior.

The biggest problem with “Monsters Vs. Aliens” is that so much of the subject matter seems inappropriate for younger children, at whom it seems to have been aimed. It has become standard for animated films to draw in older people with potty humor and this film is no exception. While there is no foul language this is at least one instant where a character says “Holy Cheese-it.” In another scene a character spells out “OMG” and another refers to “space balls.” Potty humor is more pronounced with references to Boobies, “peeing on himself which will do us all no good” (he was a giant), “let's go to code brown because I need to change my pants,” and some gross out humor such as flem being used as a weapon. Now Dreamworks did not go as far as “El Dorado” in respect to animated nudity, but a character does drop his pants to have his behind scanned for entry (seen in some of the advertisements). Finally, the violence is strong for a children's movie. A giant needle is stuck in someone's foot, destruction and mayhem are caused by the aliens and monsters alike, a man's ankle is broken and shown hanging in the wrong direction, and much more science fiction style violence.

Now, don't get me wrong. I enjoyed “Monsters Vs. Aliens,” but it does not seem appropriate for the younger children to me. I also saw it as an average imitation of “The Incredibles.” Unlike “The Incredibles,” however, the plot was muddled and seemed more like an action movie. It is something adults may actually more than children, especially since many of the movie references will go over the heads of the younger children.

In the final analysis, “Monsters Vs. Aliens” is Dreamworks attempt to rework “The Incredibles.” It meets with moderate success and it is fun for older kids and adults, but does not seem suitable for young children at all, so take the PG rating seriously, and do not expect a deeply developed plot (yea, I know… it is a cartoon). I give it three and a half stars for its homage to the 50s horror films and its entertainment value, but give a strong caution to young children.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Minor / Sex/Nudity: Minor

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

Comments below:

Positive
Neutral
Negative
Young people
Non-viewer comments

Positive

Positive - This movie was pretty good. It wasn't very offensive. Overall, it was a clean movie and was very funny to watch. I recommend this movie to kids 8 and older and adults as well.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
—Alex, age 18 (USA)

Positive - First off, I am a huge sci-fi fan. I like movies about aliens, and robots, and monsters, and all that fun stuff. So imagine my excitement when a movie is released containing all three!

I liked Monsters vs. Aliens. I was very clean for a Dreamworks movie. Some mild potty humor aside, it was still FAR cleaner that the Shrek movies. The characters are lovable (my personal favorite is the Missing Link, the macho half ape-half fish monster) and the viewers really some to connect with them and their situations, especially Susan. Yes, there is violence. Buildings get destroyed, guns get fired, things blow up. But it's still a PG movie; there isn't any gore or blood or anything of the sort.

I found this film very funny. The film lived up to its comedy genre, firing a new joke at he audience every couple of seconds. It actually surprised me how clean (for the most part) the humor was.

The only thing I find unsettling is the comments posted by other Christians. Have we COMPLETELY forgotten how to laugh? Yes, political figures were fairly thickheaded, and several characters (literally) lacked a brain. But, this movie wouldn't really be funny if everyone was serious, sober-minded and level-headed, would it? What else do you expect from an animated comedy? Secondly, what parent in their right mind takes 6 and 3-years-old's to a monster movie, even an animated one? Hasn't it become obvious by now who makes cartoons for whom? Pixar makes kid flicks, Dreamworks handles adult-orientated shows. I'm just questioning the reasoning behind a parent who plops their young kids down in front of a PG movie and then rants and raves at how bad the movie was for them. No offense, but YOU put your kid there. Seriously, enough.

Anyway, I liked Monsters vs. Aliens, plan to see it again this weekend, and anxiously await the DVD.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4
—James, age 19 (Canada)

Positive - I liked this movie, but I agree with the main reviewer that there was some inappropriate parts. I do not think we should indulge the film makers in the slightest because they always try to push it a little farther. Halfway through the movie I turned to my wife and said “We should have screened this first.” It was a funny gag that in order to get through the high level of security you had to scan (tongue, hand, and foot) but it goes too far showing the side of a man's hairy behind sitting on the scanner. Later it shows the General adjusting his pants and belt after entering. The boyfriend of the giant girl makes a comment about her being huge while holding both hands up, which suggests her breasts. I laughed a lot and thought the movie was very entertaining, and I think older kids will love it, but this is one movie that will not join the others in our DVD collection, and I will preview all Pixar movies from now on. If this gag gets by us, what do you think they will try on us next?
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
—Christopher Ransom, age 42 (USA)

Positive - With all due respect, I am not entirely sure me and all the people that gave this movie a negative rating (including the reviewer) even saw the same movie. Yes, the plot was not complex and interwoven like “The Incredibles,” this movie didn't NEED a complex plot to be great. it was action packed, yet non-graphic violence movie that I personally think was one of the best animated movies of all time. I saw “The Road to El Dorado” when I was young, and, personally, think that was one of the worst children's movies of all time, and don't know how this movie could possibly be compared to that.

With a couple exceptions, I thought this movie was absolutely clean, and was a very enjoyable watch. so in other words, I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer more. I think this movie was maybe even bordering on a G rating, if you took out a couple of instances of violence and potty humor. (Yes, I concede that there were a couple of instances of potty humor, but no movie these days would have anything different.) I just don't understand how on earth anyone could be offended by this great and morally sound movie. (Even my little sister who is 5 and scared and grossed out by EVERYTHING loved it.)

There wasn't even any profanity! All I can say is this was a great movie. I've used this site for a long time, and this is the first time I've written a comment because I was TRULY OFFENDED by the comments of the reviewer and the people that gave it a negative. This was a great movie that I think was UNBELIEVABLY over judged by these reviewers.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Cale Zaugg (USA)

Positive - Wow, to the people who gave this a negative, you really have no sense of humor what so ever.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
—Steve, age 21 (China)

Neutral

Neutral - I watched this movie with my husband and 3 year old daughter. We were under the impression that this was a comedy-type film. We enjoyed the movie, however, my 3 year old fell asleep in it, because it was too scary. It is more action than comedy, with most of the humorous parts consisting of potty humor as already stated in other reviews. I did not find the humor offensive, but I would not recommend this movie for children with active imaginations.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
—Denise, age 30 (USA)

Neutral - This movie is rather dumb, but it is genuinely funny in certain parts. The movie is filled with caricatures and spoofs. It even manages to slip in a good lesson along the way: what a person (or monster) looks like shouldn't determine how you treat him or her.

The animation in this movie was fine, but some parts of the story seemed rather contrived and cheesy (especially the beginning and the end).

Now, Heads up to Parents! There were children in the theater when I saw this movie and none of them appeared to be traumatized and I didn't hear any crying (the little girl sitting in front of me waved good-bye to the characters as the movie ended), but please don't take your small, easily scared children to this movie! If they found “The Incredibles” or “Monsters, Inc.” scary, they will find this one scary. This movie is mainly about Ginormica/Susan, but it is also about the war between the monsters and the aliens, just as the title says. The characters almost die numerous times and are almost constantly in danger.

Other things that may be inappropriate for younger children are the crude humor and the almost flippant attitude towards killing people and creatures--it is treated as funny (although Ginormica does save some people's lives, and throughout the whole movie the monsters are trying to save the world).

Another thing that I found rather disturbing was Blob's interest in Ginormica/Susan's fiancé. Now, I know this character is supposed to be just a dumb blob of blue (he doesn't have a brain), but he is portrayed as masculine in the movie and I have a feeling that this is Hollywood's way of sneaking homosexuality and transgenderism in the backdoor, so to speak, of children's movies. Parents may want to address this with children when they get home.

I don't think I wasted my money seeing this movie; it was a fun way to spend an afternoon, but I don't think I would bother seeing it again.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
—Sarah C., age 18 (USA)

Negative

Negative - This is the first time I've submitted a comment, even though I have used this Web site for years. My husband and I took our 14 year old nephew and his friend to see this movie. I hated the movie, and was embarrassed. Even though the boys didn't think it was as bad as my husband and I did, they weren't impressed. The humor was crude, the plot was limited and undeveloped. The female clothes were too tight. The disrespect for authority, male role models, the office of president of the USA, etc. is the last thing our children need exposure to. The thing that saddened me, was the very young children in the theater that laughed at some of the crudest, most inappropriate parts. I don't know if they got it, or were just following the adult's lead. Don't waste your time or money seeing this movie, and certainly don't take any children to see it.

My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3

—Cindy, age 48 (USA)

Negative - There are always a few scenes that can ruin an otherwise good movie. I was disappointed in several things with this movie. First of all the female body of the main character. I am not opposed to women having a good body, but in a kids movie it does not need to be so obvious or referenced to in various ways. Also, the scene where the girl and boy are “parking” and the boy being effeminate and the girl being the aggressive one was completely unnecessary. A “subtle” Hollywood agenda item. Of course there was the mention of global warming to program little minds. Taking care of our Earth is a good thing, but in appropriate Godly ways. I thought the scene of having to take your pants off to go through security was a bit over the edge.

It is the not so subtle programming of young minds that concern me. A little here, a little there and before you know it we are raising another generation who are neutral to everything good or bad. The kids don't notice it, but I sure do.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
—Amy, age 38 (USA)

Negative - I was lured in by the PG rating and now feel I have to preview every “kids” PG movie before my 8, 6 and 3 year old can watch. I do not think that the previews depicted well that this is a movie for older kids, and may be even was closer to a PG-13 rating.

The most offensive part was the teen boy and girl parking. I was flabbergasted that this scene was included. The girl is very sexually aggressive toward the boy who is portrayed as a wimp for turning her down. He then is afraid to go investigate the bright light (alien ship) while she is excited by the prospect. He falls and breaks his ankle, which is shown dangling grotesquely and the girl carries him uphill, as if that would be physically possible. The males in this film were all depicted as shallow, insensitive, and sexually confused.

I wanted to stop the film repeatedly so I could have a heart-to-heart chat with my kids. In the final scene, a monster with a male voice who is named Bob, gets confused again with who it was who dated the male lead, him or the female lead. The scene felt contrived to open the door to kids suggesting a normalcy and intending to encourage acceptance of same sex relationships. It may be a frequent occurrence in today's society, however, it is a parent's position to explore those questions with their children at the appropriate time, it is not the media's job to present it thinly veiled in a film marketed to the very young.

The film offers some humor for much older children (the usual fall-back of body parts, odor, almost-cuss words, etc.) and it did often set a good example through the female lead. She demonstrated an attitude of respecting others, being supportive of her loved one's dreams, and then when she finally realized that he was not capable of loving her in the way each of us deserve to be loved: with respect, fidelity, and with actions showing high esteem, she did confront her boyfriend and walk away from the relationship. That, however, was the only redeeming quality to this movie. Everything else was just… disturbing.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
—Karen, age 43 (USA)

Negative - I am positively SHOCKED that so many Christians are so blinded by this post-modern new age world that they fail to see how utterly dangerous this movie is. You know, sometimes there is a lot more to a movie than drugs, four letter words, and skin-tight clothing. This movie is rather harmless when you take these things into account (although there is some violence and murder, albeit of clones, but they are still lives nonetheless.) But this movie is severely damaging to the world at large when you consider the long term ramifications, namely that men are not to be trusted, that women are better off without men, that women should turn their emotions off in a split second, and that love is not real. A Christian audience should run screaming from a theater that teaches the world that we can only count on ourselves. There is a lot of strife between the various sects and denominations of Christianity, but I know one thing, the entire Christian faith is about cooperation and love. But this movie preaches the opposite.

Let me explain. Susan, a woman set to marry a weatherman, who is just about to make anchorman, is hit by a meteorite and becomes a giant. Her fiance rejects her. Mistake number one. The gentleman who is portrayed in the beginning of the movie would not have done this. Mistake number two: Rather than try to become normal sized so she can stay with her beloved she responds with the typical new age independent female mantra 'I don't need him anyway.'

Let me get this straight Hollywood. She's been dating and falling in love with this man for years. He rejects her and she doesn't shed a tear. She is able turn off her emotions in 3 seconds flat, then turn away from the life she's been dreaming about for years. Yeah, right.

Later on in the movie she returns to her normal size. She essentially becomes the same woman that was set to marry the man of her dreams, but she doesn't for one second realize that she can return to her fiance. She doesn't miss him, ever. She puts her old life behind her way too fast. The only time in which she pines for the past is when she asks for a real kitten instead of the poster hanging on her cell wall. What kind of a movie is this without love?

Naturally, at the end of the movie the man returns and tells her that he forgives her, as if it was all her fault to begin with. And again Hollywood turns yet another gentleman into a horrible excuse for a man when he realizes that his woman doesn't need him.

Only in the new age movie world would any of this happen. Don't let this stuff happen in the real world too people. Stay away from this and all movies like it.

What are they trying to teach us today? They could have had the fiance show support, but the writers didn't do that. Why not? What purpose was served by making her fiance act this way? All it did was pander to the idea that women don't need men, and that men are all jerks.

This is the big problem I have with the movie world today. There are far too few Meet the Robinson's that teach good healthy family values and cooperative emotional and physical support. Instead, Hollywood teaches independence, that we can only count on ourselves. It's no wonder people are so selfish today and they don't want to help their fellow man. Hollywood taught us to be that way!

Stop supporting these evil movies people! They are just going to take the world down a black hole to destruction. You have got to start looking deeper at the movies you let your children watch. Movies like this, Happy Feet, and Bee Movie give the impression that man is an island and we should not help our fellow man.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
—Alex, age 36 (USA)

Comments from young people

Positive - I thought this movie was great!! I saw it with my friends and we saw it in 3D, and we came out of the theater laughing our heads off. I did hear a little kid in the back crying and saying (“I wanna leave NOW momma, it's too scary!” I'm not saying that I did not hear laughing from other little kids in the movie theatre. I heard tons of laughing from a little girl in the back row. She sounded entertained when the funny parts came on. I do think parents should be a little careful when choosing movies to see with their kids. But this movie is perfect for kids 6-100 or no matter how old you are. As long as you have a sense of humor, you will enjoy this movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Hannah Peters, age 12 (USA)

Negative - I went to watch this movie with my sisters ranging in age from 11 to 6. They really enjoyed it, but me and my mother both highly disliked it. The giant woman susan talked a lot about her fiance and how much she loved him. Which to me is not bad, but then a brainless blob kept making comments on how much he also loved her fiance. To me it felt like it was a slight gay comment. And there was also one part where one of the characters said Oh my and then a word that started with an f. I can't remember the exact word, but I definitely got the reference there.

It wasn't engaging or interesting either. Overall, I would skip it and see something else more worth your time and money.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
—Briana, age 13 (Turkey)

Positive - I went to see it this film with my family. We watched the IMAX 3D version. When we were going to watch it I thought that it wasn't going to be a very good film from watching the commercials. I had totally misjudged the film. It was a great film! It was also pretty funny. I think this film would be great for anyone 5+. My younger sister (who is 5) loved it! The only thing I would say is it might be scary for some kids.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Hope, age 14 (USA)

Neutral - This was funny, but not hysterical. Nothing I saw that was spiritually wrong with it. There were some parts that were like dear Lord, this is a kid movie (crude humor). But, the movie was kind of pointless. We could not figure out the story line, and it had seamed like they tried to stuff a bunch of movie ideas in one movie. Things happened too quickly, and at the end we were like “this is it?”. Honestly, if Bob was not in this movie we would have not enjoyed this movie at all. I did not think this movie was worth my movie, but would watch it for free next time. If that at all made sense.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 2
—Elysa, age 17 (USA)

Neutral - As a movie geared towards children, I was quite surprised. Though I enjoyed the movie a lot, the movie contained inappropriate jokes and suggestions. However, I did not find anything that contradicted the bible or anything, just another modern society movie made to entertain us; this movie does not contain any biblical value and does not promote Christ's work in anyway. I would not recommend this movie to children younger than 12 years or something, but I got some pretty good laughs out of it! I don't see any harm in participating in the viewing of the movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Clifford Lam, age 16 (Canada)

Positive - Despite a lack of depth and a few crude moments, “Monsters vs. Aliens,” while not Dreamworks best film, is funny, action-packed, and entertaining.

The films centers around normal lady Susan Murphy (Reese Witherspoon of Legally Blonde and Four Christmases); a resident of Modesto, California, who is about to be married to the arrogant, selfish, but handsome Derek Dietl (Paul Rudd). All does not go as planned when a meteor falls from the sky and zaps her with a radioactive element dubbed “quantonium.” Susan than grows to enormous size, and is placed in a top-secret prison facility led by General W.R. Monger (Kiefer Sutherland). Susan’s name is changed to “Ginormica,” and she is told she will probably never be released by the other inhuman inmates: bug-like mad scientist Dr. Cockroach Ph.D. (Hugh Laurie); baby giant-mutated-grub Insectosaurus; ancient sea-monster The Missing Link (Will Arnett); and an indestructible, comedic, brainless, blue, blob B.O.B. (Seth Rogen).

All changes when Obama look-alike alien Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) sends robots and mind-altered clones to destroy and enslave all of Earth’s life (he wants both the quantonium and the planet). On his first attack, I laughed several times as a robot attempts to kill the president. Why? Because Stephen Colbert (of the TV show The Colbert Report) as the president is hilarious, doing every single thing to raise his publicity (for example, after watching the armed forces send several missiles into the robots force field body he decides to remind everyone he’s “a brave president” by firing a handgun at it).

Such is the humor of the entire film. The movie is mostly pun after pun, mocking mostly politics. However, it also has got some other fun parts. Cool visual effects are apparent even though I viewed it outside of 3-D; the translucent B.O.B. is particularly impressive. Also, the movie has fun action and a quick-paced, bold story. Maybe not the most original plot ever, but “Monsters” doesn’t waste time in showing the positives of the powers—and how odd differences might be extraordinary talents.

All in all, “Monsters” is simple fun for all the family—not something that you’ll remember, but probably something you’ll enjoy. Violence: Mild Language: None Sex/Nudity: None Drugs: None
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
—Timothy, age 14 (USA)

Positive -“ Monsters Vs. Aliens” was more than I expected. Quirky humor, enjoyable action scenes and lovable characters. The story was not to deep, but what can you expect from an animation called “Monsters vs. Aliens”? The only morals to the story I could make out were: “be yourself, whoever you are” and “a friend will never leave another friend behind.”

The reviewer also made comment that the movie contains “so much” explicit content, not suitable for kids. I am a kid, and was a young kid not long ago, and I say **give the kids some credit**, they are not mindless drones, they too can think for themselves, but the parents can guide them in discernment, children know between right and wrong. The explicit content or “potty humor” was actually funny, (unlike most of today's comedians) and it did not raise any alarm bells inside me saying 'warning, warning'. it was funny and enjoyable.

I recommend everyone of all ages to see this movie. My mother, my grandmother and I watched this movie and we all loved it, so it is a pleasing movie to all generations. This movie was light-hearted, made all in good fun. I recommend it to anyone with a sense of humour, anyone who enjoys admiring the art of animation (they are quite proficient at it now) and anyone who likes a well constructed action scene.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4½
—Barry, age 16 (Australia)

Positive - This was another great, light-hearted, kid-friendly film. I went with my friends and we found nothing wrong with it. There was nothing offensive about it whatsoever. It was just funny and there were none of those “weird awkward moments.” where your laughing it off with a sweat. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good old laugh.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4
—Becca, age 14 (USA)

Positive - This movie was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I really don't see any offensive content! It was not scary, and was VERY FUNNY! People of all ages could see this movie! And, to everyone who thinks this movie was offensive, I think you are kind of being a little sensitive.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Liliana, age 11 (Canada)

Positive - I liked this movie I saw it with my friend Matt. It very funny. I saw it on the first day it came out. It was a great movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Joseph, age 11 (USA)

Positive - I loved this movie! I went to go see it at my friend's house, and he had already told me that the movie was good. I mean, at first, I did not believe him, but towards the end of the it started getting good. The character I really liked was Bob. He was the funniest out of them all. But to all the people who said inappropriate things of this movie is so wrong. They ain't got no sense of humor. Plus, no grown person should be seeing this movie anyway.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
—Adrienne, age 17 (USA)

Positive - This movie was the bomb! I loved it. I thought it was funny and good.…
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4½
—Gloria, age 13 (USA)

Neutral - I've been reading though the comments here, and am shocked that so many people find it offensive. I didn't really like the movie, but that was a just a bad plot and average quality movie-making. Hollywood is NOT out to brainwash kids. They are simply trying to “entertain” the masses, and Christians need to realise this. I'm not saying Hollywood is squeaky clean, but that they are just as sinful as many other things in this world - including us! Jesus died for ALL of us, and, as Christians, we often forget that we too are sinful and still imperfect, at least until our Saviour returns (bring on the day!) I wouldn't recommend this movie, but only because it isn't very enjoyable. I have no problems with the morals of this movie, and it didn't even cross my mind that it was “offensive” till reading these comments.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 2
—Beccy, age 14 (Australia)

Comments from non-viewers

Although I have not seen this movie, I find it interesting as I read some of these reviews by younger people, usually 20-something or younger with no kids, how the opinions differ markedly from those with more life seasoning and those having kids. There is something to be said for the discernment that comes with age and experience in raising children (hopefully). I find many, many more things objectionable now than I did in my younger years when my tastes had been allowed to become jaded by the world's idea of normal.
—Dan Galbraith, age 39 (USA)

I had the same thoughts exactly about those who are 20 years or younger reviewing a “kids” movie, but not having young children of their own. I believe it is important to seek advice from people who are at the same stage or beyond in life. Parenting is not at all as clear cut as I expected, and it seems to be getting harder as film ratings are not always a clear indicator. Parents be sure to do your research!! We only get one shot at this. I was going to see this movie today with my 5 and 4 year old children, but will probably wait till something more age appropriate comes.
—Ruth, age 42 (Australia)

I want to thank the mom's that gave their honest opinions about the inappropriateness of this movie. People that don't have kids aren't as sensitized to what feels horrifying when you're watching a movie with your kids! They don't have the frame of reference that a parent has, not their fault. I would also completely agree that I have to preview/review scrupulously, every PG movie that comes along because so many of them are filled with content I consider wrong for a PG film. I wish the rating system were more accurate and not rated by the “desensitized Hollywood” movie industry.

You mom's keep on putting your truth out there!! I am so grateful to you and appreciate you tremendously.
—Susan, age 45 (USA)