The film features the voices of Seth Rogen, Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie and about a million other celebrities and revolves around a group of “monsters” who try to save the world from an alien attack.

image: Dreamworks

There is a subplot, however.  When the film opens, Reese’s character, Susan Murphy, is about to get married.  Her fiancé is clearly a self-absorbed tool but she gives up all of her power and goes along with whatever he wants.  Just before she’s about to head down the aisle, she’s hit by a meteorite and is turned into a giant woman who the government names Ginormica.  After becoming huge, Susan/Ginormica begins to feel empowered and stops pining over the life she would have had and realizes that she is great on her own.  Yeah, it had a whole “girl power” thing going on…

Either way, the movie was funny enough.  I wouldn’t say I loved it but it was okay.  My kids liked it so, of course, we had to pick up the Monsters vs. Aliens video game.  I think the game is actually better than the movie, if I’m being honest.  Why not make a night of it?  Watch the movie then play the game!

Post from: EveryJoe

image: Warner Bros.

I loved films like Zack and Miri Make a Porno and I was pleasantly surprised by Pineapple Express but I really just couldn’t get enthusiastic about Observe and Report which will be released on DVD tomorrow.

Rogen is Ronnie Barnhardt, a mall security guard who dreams becoming a real cop.  He’s socially awkward which is magnified by his crush on a cosmetics salesgirl (Anna Faris) who runs a kiosk in the middle of the shopping center.

If you are looking for some light humor, this is a great movie but don’t expect to be rolling on the floor in hysterics (although there are a few “so cringe-worthy it’s hilarious” moments).  It’s still worth checking out – who doesn’t need a laugh these days?

Post from: EveryJoe

In this film, Rogen plays Ronnie Barnhardt, the head security guard at the Forest Ridge Mall.  He tries to rule over his domain with an iron fist, reprimanding anyone from skateboarders to shoplifters and unruly customers.  Of course, what Ronnie really wants is to become a real police officer.

Photo by Peter Sorel/Warner Bros.

When the mall is struck by a flasher, Ronnie must go above and beyond to protect his turf while hoping to attract the attention of beauty counter clerk, Brandi (Anna Faris).  Unfortunately, his crime-fighting skills put him in direct competition with Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta) of the Conway Police and it soon becomes a race against time to beat the “real” cops to the stalker.

I think that this movie has the potential to be really funny if they don’t try too hard.  Check out the trailer:

Post from: EveryJoe

image: imdb.com

Initially, I had braced myself for a far worse, dirtier film (especially when it was banned in Utah) but, for all of its’ raunch, there is tenderness.  We get to see friendship, camaraderie and perseverance as Zack, Miri and some of their friends pull together when their plans get derailed.  While it is true that this film is about making a pornographic film, the amount of nudity is contained to just a few scenes but the language and fully-clothed interactions might offend more sensitive viewers (for example, in one Star Wars-inspired scene, they use large floppy dildos instead of light sabers).   Aside from that, this is a fun movie to see since it’s a great hybrid of a guy’s movie and a romantic comedy. Things to watch for: Hockey fans (especially Pittsburgh Penguins fans) will love the fact that in the opening minutes of the movie, Miri gets out of bed and walks to the bathroom wearing a 2008 Winter Classic jersey and then a Stanley Cup banner is shown hanging on the wall in Zack’s room (both for Pittsburgh).  The icy sport is actually well-represented throughout the film. Justin Long makes a short appearance during the high school reunion and he’s sheer genius as a gay, male porn star.  His voice will have you on the floor laughing hysterically. Fans of the Canadian show, Kenny vs. Spenny, will crack up when they see Kenny Hotz show up for a few minutes (also at the reunion).  I was expecting him to do something more outrageous but he was still ridiculous. The film was written and directed by Kevin Smith (Silent Bob) but he doesn’t make an appearance.  You will recognize, however, his Clerks buddies, Jeff Anderson and a thinner-looking Jason Mewes

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Post from: EveryJoe