In Planet 51, an alien from outer space invades a small, quiet town, disrupting life as they know it, causing all sorts of mayhem and helping them learn some valuable life lessons — only in this case, the alien is a human astronaut, and the small town is on a planet full of little green space creatures who live in an alien version of our own 1950′s. 
This much you knew from the trailer, but what my sons and I got to see when we attended the pre-release screening that TriStar held, is a story about how being afraid of the unknown will keep you a prisoner of your tiny little life and how you’ll never grow or change or fall in love that way, much less save your whole planet.
Well, that what I got out of it, anyway.
I’m pretty sure my kids just enjoyed a funny movie about some nice green aliens who are startled to find a blond astronaut has landed in their back yard. Lem (voiced by Justin Long), the film’s hero, is initially just as afraid of the alien invader as everyone else is, but he soon realizes that Chuck Baker (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) is really a good guy and he decides to help Chuck get back to his spaceship. Along the way, there are lots of hi-jinks and a ton of references to other movies (including Alien, Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Terminator, Singing in the Rain, Wall-E, The Right Stuff, The Day The Earth Stood Still, and those are just the ones I recognized).
In my opinion, it’s a very enjoyable movie, with fun voice performances by the likes of Gary Oldman and John Cleese, as well as the cast members listed above. I highly recommend it for a family activity.
Now here is what my sons (Charlie, 10 and Oscar, 6) think about the movie.
Charlie’s review: Planet 51 is my favorite movie this year (Ponyo being second and Monsters vs. Aliens third). Planet 51 is hilariously funny and the first animated movie released by Tri-Star this year. Finally, I give this movie an 8 out of 10.
Oscar’s review: I liked it and I give it a B (A being the best). I liked the little alien dog the best and rover was funny, too.
This post marks the debut of Mom & Sons Reviews. Look for more movie and video game reviews to come!
{FULL DISCLOSURE} {My sons and I were invited as guests of Tri-Star to the pre-release screening of the film and treated to some very delicious concession stand goodies. I also attended the press junket.}