Planet 51: Review By moviegeek

Planet 51 is barely a movie. It's simply an excuse to exploit good screen names, valued wide release slots, and the money of gullible children and parents. There are some funny in-jokes scattered throughout, but this movie is a retread, a farce, and ultimately a bore.

The plot begins on an alien planet obsessed with the wonders of the 500-mile-wide universe and the newest space-invasion movies. About 15 minutes in, a human astronaut appears in the backyard of one of the residents and begins to claim the planet before he realizes *gasp* he isn't alone!

Let's start with the good: there are clever little sight gags like the crop-circle patterns used a parking lines and the movies advertised like 'Humaniacs' (how they know what the word or species 'human' is is beside the point). There are a few funny, giggle-at-my-wit moments, but definitely not enough.

Now the bad: Firstly, the plot. Who asked for a movie about this to be made?! The premise isn't very interesting or insightful like it ought to be. With all of the potential in a premise like this, the creators decided to make everything these aliens inhabit look exactly like the human world, inly quirkier. Also, the astronaut, who represents our humanity as a whole, is a dimwit! How on earth (hehe pun) could a man advanced enough in intelligence so as to launch himself on a solo mission to a foreign planet be so dumb!? His actions and dialogue are so embarrassing to me and whatever it is he represents.

Secondly, there is the animation. It screams and hollers direct-to video!! Everything looks like rubber and latex. The creatures and their world have no texture and their movements are far too agile. It's colorful and fun-looking, but nothing that is worthy of a theatrical release.

Thirdly, the voice actors. Hollywood listen!! NEVER cast Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as a voice for an animated movie! He LOOKS tough. But he sounds like a nasally ferret! The voice he uses only demeans his intelligence more. I think in his efforts to sound more fun for the kiddies, his commanding screen voice that is needed in this character, is just pathetic.

And lastly, the ridiculous recycled retread of everything we have seen. The main alien high school kid sees a gorgeous girl but is embarrassed to ask her out so by the end...hmmm. The army general is the very first to fire his gun so he must be...hmmm. There is a movie premiere for 'Humaniacs III' and his friends want to dress up which creates a perfect opportunity for...hmmm.

Sigh. Why are some movies allowed into the market? Why did this movie warrant a wide release when there were plenty of other movies that didn't get the attention they deserved. This is a lame-brained, completely unnecessary, dumb movie. Spare yourself and the kids around you.