Review of Planet 51 (2009) by Corey B — 27 Nov 2010

Again, maybe this was a case of low-expectation-itis, but after the thrashing Planet 51 got from critics and audiences, I was expecting to watch five minutes, turn it off, and say "I tried". Except, I really kind of enjoyed the movie.

Now, what doesn't work, at all, is the strange fifties setting. I kept waiting for an explanation as to why this alien culture had evolved exactly into fifties' America complete with the exact same songs. I know, it's a kid's movie, but a smarter kid's movie wouldn't have simply made a design choice without at least giving some kind of story reason why it exists.

But once you get past that, the story is a pretty fun take on fifties' alien invasion movies. I particularly liked the John Cleese mad scientist character who keeps pretending that he knows everything about the alien species, but really just wants to take out their brains. And the little rover space module who is obsessed with rocks provided some good moments.

It's not spectacular, but it's pleasant and there are a few good laughs.