Review of Mars Needs Moms (2011) by Robyn M — 27 Jul 2012

To make up for Milo's(Seth Green) father(Tom Everett Scott) not being able to make it home in time for movie night due to a delayed flight, his mother(Joan Cusack) allows him to stay up late, as long as he finishes his vegetables which he does sort of by feeding them to the cat. Angry at deceiving her and poisoning the cat, she sends him to bed straight away, resulting in him saying something he will regret later when she is kidnapped by Martians. Stowing away in their spaceship gets him captured but he escapes, aided by Gribble who fills him in on the full story which only makes Milo rescuing his mother that much more urgent.

With its share of cinematic influences, "Mars Needs Moms" is a very entertaining and heartfelt animated film that is also the first time I have been impressed by motion capture animation as it not only clearly expresses emotions here but also wonderfully creates a brand new world. The message is simple for children to never take their parents for granted, lest somebody from Mars is watching, and even goes as far as to say a child can be too well-behaved.(Parents, never name your kid Milo.) There is also a reminder that the geeks will inherit a planet but which one is still up for debate. I especially liked it when Milo points out that the hairy people are the good guys and the ones in uniform are the bad guys. Now, I'm left wondering what to make of the fascist matriarchy at the heart of all the troubles.