Below is a Mini Review from Cineman Syndicate for a movie opening on March 27, 2009.

MONSTERS VS. ALIENS

Rendered an entertainingly benign parasite by DreamWorks animators, who build a strong case for 3-D's mainstream viability, this potential blockbuster confirms that recycling is the name of the game. Though varied, the pop-culture allusions naturally cluster around sci-fi icons such as E.T. and Star Trek. When a meteor turns a California woman into a platinum-haired Amazonian, the government imprisons her alongside four other creatures, who are then asked to save the day when an alien robot touches down. The true saviors are the computer artisans and voice actors -- e.g., Seth Rogen and Rainn Wilson -- who bring the story to life. (PG) GOOD ANIMATED ACTION-COMEDY.

Directors: Rob Letterman & Conrad Vernon

Lead: Reese Witherspoon

Running Time: 94 minutes

Capsule review by John P. McCarthy

COPYRIGHT 2009 CINEMAN SYNDICATE LLC