Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
"Planet 51" a modest cartoon aimed at youngsters
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Asia Pacific
World
"Planet 51" a modest cartoon aimed at youngsters
Reuters - Monday, November 16
Send
IM Story
Print
By Kirk Honeycutt
LOS ANGELES - Sony's entry in the crowded animation field this holiday season is "Planet 51," a perky though not terribly imaginative feature aimed primarily at youngsters.
Created by a Spanish company, Ilion Animation Studios, this digital cartoon is a jokey reimagining of 1950s science fiction flicks where Earth faced extinction by alien space invaders seemingly on a monthly basis. The twist in this movie is that it has an alien planet terrified of -- a human astronaut.
Kids will enjoy the swift action and slapstick gags, and adult minders can chuckle at a few more suggestive jokes, so the Friday release should enjoy a solid opening the week before Thanksgiving. After that, Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" hits theaters, so "Planet 51's" box office could suffer a steep drop-off.
The cartoon's planet is populated with little green people that have antennae, four-fingered hands and webbed feet. Their thinking and culture is pure '50s, including the music, comic books and movies that exploit a fear of monsters and aliens. They even know to call these creatures from outer space "humanoids." Then one arrives.
Chuck , a scientist who wants to perform a brain extraction on every strange creature he encounters.
There are chases and comical misunderstandings that extend this single-note idea for 90 minutes. When in doubt, the film cuts to Chuck's robot companion, "Rover," a doglike machine that collects every rock it finds.
Director Jorge Blanco and writer Joe Stillman not only don't mind if you associate their derivative images and ideas with other movies, they encourage it. The film references "E.T." and "Close Encounters," plays "Singin' in the Rain" on the soundtrack and makes certain that Rover and several music cues remind you of "Star Wars."
So "Planet 51" is Sci-Fi Lite, running through the cliches -- no, let's make that the memories -- of old sci-fi classics with gentle jokes and cornball battles. It doesn't measure up to what's best in current animation -- say, "Coraline," "Up," "Fantastic Mr. Fox" or "A Town Called Panic," to name a few other films the Academy recently announced as eligible for this year's animation nomination. Those films demonstrate you can make animation that entertains the entire family. "Planet 51" is not that ambitious.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
U.K. scientist unmasked as call girl Belle de Jour Reuters - 1 hour 30 minutes ago
FX makes date for "2012" Reuters - 1 hour 41 minutes ago
Comic Mo'Nique takes dramatic turn in "Precious" Reuters - Monday, November 16
Tarantino's Nazi villain storms Hollywood Reuters - Monday, November 16
"Education" star Carey Mulligan enjoying spotlight Reuters - Monday, November 16
News Search
Top Stories
NASA readies space shuttle Atlantis for launch
Russia suggests Renault take control of Avtovaz
Mystery of Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning solved
Obama vows 'serious' bid to cut US deficit
Madoff's spoils go under the hammer
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Mystery of Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning solved
Paris rampage after cash giveaway cancelled: police
Obama vows 'serious' bid to cut US deficit
Madoff's spoils go under the hammer
Commercial real estate woes imperil US recovery
More Most Viewed »
Somali centenarian weds 17-year-old
Fibre may keep asthma, diabetes at bay, study finds
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Monday, 16 November 2009 Reports: Iran ex-deputy minister jailed in Israel
Internet to speak Arabic: Egypt
Iraqi Sunni Arab VP threatens to veto election law
Palestinians aim to secure U.N. support for state
| International
|
Palestinians say they will ask UN to recognise state
Obama in China faces tensions on trade and Tibet
| International
|
Iran's parliament approves last ministers
Clinton wants tangible Afghan progress from Karzai
| International
|
Iran to resume French lecturer's trial Tuesday: report
| International
|
Berlusconi's mounting woes fuel talk of early vote
| International
|
U.N. mulls exit strategy for Congo troops: diplomats
| International
|
US, Russia say sanctions a possibility for Iran
Alaska fights to reverse polar bear listing
Study: Ponds source of arsenic in Bangladesh
American charities may not have a happy holiday
DNA evidence in 1998 Yale killing was contaminated
French, Afghan troops push into hostile valley
Obama faces tensions in China
Jackpot: Lawyers earn fees from law they wrote
China's plan for Three Gorges' water level stalled
Dems, GOP split on NY trials of alleged terrorists
Obama arrives in China for maiden visit
Geeky 'tweeters' to report on space shuttle launch
Plans to raise Three Gorges' water level stalled
THE INFLUENCE GAME: Front group fights health bill
Excerpts from rulings in Guantanamo Bay cases
Obama arrives in China for first-ever visit
Early Sri Lanka presidential election likely
Mass. immigrant tuition bill to get new push
Anti-Thaksin protesters rally in Thailand
Clinton: Specific demands will accompany US help
NZ housing confidence eases in Q3
APEC urges new growth model, climate pact progress
APEC leaders vow new economic model after crisis
Moviegoers make date with disaster film 2012
| Entertainment
|
Screen siren Lauren Bacall gets lifetime Oscar
| Entertainment
|
`2012' has worldwide box-office bang of $225M
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Disaster film "2012" strikes worldwide box office
'Hello, Ohio!' (Psst! Boss, we're in Michigan)
Dobbs says his departure from CNN was 'amicable'
Surfing is a new freedom for handicapped in Rio
Stepping back in time to the Yemen of old
Japanese chef scoops top award in London
UN atomic agency to unveil latest Iran report
Italian police arrest Sicilian Mafia 'number two'
Palestinians aim to secure U.N. support for state
| International
|
All eyes on Murdoch as newspapers ponder digital future
NASA readies space shuttle Atlantis for launch
Palestinians aim to secure U.N. support for state
Russia suggests Renault take control of Avtovaz
Suicide bomber kills 3 near Pakistani air base
| International
|
Chinese online users bombard Obama with questions
Frustrated Palestinians to appeal to UN for state
Kosovo's statehood faces first test at local polls
| International
|
Mystery of Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning solved
Australia's Rudd says sorry to orphans, child migrants
| International
|
French academic's trial resumes in Tehran on Tuesday: ISNA
Gunmen in army uniforms kill 12 Iraqi villagers
| International
|
African immigrants drift toward Latin America
| International
|
Thousands gather to honor German soccer star
| International
|
Obama presses Iran on atomic deal, Tehran defiant
| International
|
Aquino leads in latest Philippine presidential poll
| International
|
Report: Imam says he didn't pressure Hasan
Drilling for Scotch whiskey on frozen continent
Pro-Cuba embargo money flows to lawmakers
Obama: Key to success is improvement
Police kill guard in NYC bar brawl, wound 2nd man
Obama: Terrorist networks largest threat to US
Hawaii gov's plan would restore classroom days
IBM's new service jumps on cloud computing bandwagon
| Technology
|
Obama speaks out against Web censorship in China
Obama will accept Nobel prize with 'humility'
Obama foes lash out at 9/11 trial plans
SKorea's opposition against Afghan troop dispatch
US, Russia warn Iran over nuclear crisis
Cambodia revokes opposition leader's immunity
Authorities acting on tip search for missing girl
Obama says diversity strength of United States
Idaho boy kills bear that wouldn't leave porch
Obama: US, China must cooperate on global issues
Obama: China, US need not be adversaries
Asian markets rise on Wall Street recovery
Hitachi plans to raise 4.6 billion dollars
IMF chief again says Chinese yuan should rise
Taiwan Chi Mei shares soar to 5-mth high on merger
S.Korean bond yield curve flattens; 1-yr notes lose
China corners rare earths market
Tarantino's Nazi villain storms Hollywood
Seoul shares edge up; Hyundai Heavy, Lotte gain
Screen legend Lauren Bacall given Oscar for life's work
NZ services sector activity pulls back in October
Moviegoers make date with disaster film 2012
| Entertainment
|
Seinfeld veteran Larry Charles returns to NBC
| Entertainment
|
Mother Of Missing North Carolina Girl Charged With Human Trafficking
FX makes date for 2012
| Entertainment
|
Kara on Ellen: Idol chemistry is crucial
| Entertainment
|
U.K. scientist unmasked as call girl Belle de Jour
| Entertainment
|
Comic Mo'Nique takes dramatic turn in "Precious"
Tarantino's Nazi villain storms Hollywood
| Entertainment
|
Tarantino's Nazi villain storms Hollywood
Education star Carey Mulligan enjoying spotlight
| Entertainment
|
"Education" star Carey Mulligan enjoying spotlight
Charlie's Angels flying again on TV
| Entertainment
|
Sandra Bullock buoys conventional football film
Alyssa Milano to guest on Castle
| Entertainment
|
"Planet 51" a modest cartoon aimed at youngsters
Kara on Ellen: "Idol" chemistry is crucial
Alyssa Milano to guest on "Castle"
"Seinfeld" veteran Larry Charles returns to NBC
Yves Saint Laurent's everyday knick-knacks up for grabs
US-TECH Summary
IBM's new service jumps on cloud computing bandwagon
Obama says al Qaeda still greatest threat to U.S.
| International
|
Airbus may cut output again in late 2010: EADS chief
Ahmadinejad says Western pressure empowers Iran
U.S. raises pressure on Pakistan over Taliban, al Qaeda
| International
|
Edward Woodward Dies At 79
OPEC head: $75 to $80 a barrel a 'good price'
Gunmen in army uniforms kill 12 Iraqi villagers
Afghanistan to form anti-graft unit as pressure grows
| International
|
DJ AM's Estate Sues Charter Company For Wrongful Death
Six killed in Kirkuk car bomb blast
| International
|
Russia delays Iran's Bushehr nuclear power station
| International
|
Shayne Lamas Arrested For Suspicion Of DUI
India puts nuclear plants on alert: report
| International
|
Israel could annex more of West Bank: minister
| International
|
Playboy Issues "No Comment" At Possible Sale
Disney Sued Over Pooh Royalties
Israeli soldiers protest razing of settler homes
| International
|
Pirate suspects to face trial in Spain
| International
|
Italian women disappointed by Gaddafi party
| International
|
"Cheers" Writer David Lloyd Dies Of Prostate Cancer
50 Cent Suing Hip-Hop Website For Using His Image Without Permission
Cindy Crawford And Husband Reveal Extortion Plot Involving Their Daughter's Bound And Gagged Photo
French forces: Rockets kill 3 at Afghan market
Nintendo Wii may provide actual exercise: study
| Technology
|
Spelling Obama in Chinese not an easy task
Methodology for AP poll on health care
Online gangs cashing in on swine flu
| Technology
|
Advice to Congress: Be clear, fair on health care
Australia apologises to abused migrant children
AP Poll: Fine print in health care prompts worries
AIDS patients to president: Send more money south
China detains activists as Obama arrives
Suicide car bomb kills four in NW Pakistan
Arrest at Walmart leads to charges of racism
Obama arrives in Beijing
Calif. man set for hearing in wine warehouse fire
WHITE HOUSE NOTEBOOK: Language skills on display
Census: Small US cities lose luster in downturn
Japan mulls over relocation of US Marine base
Dakotas might see record sunflower yields
Anti-Castro Cubans shift funding to US Democrats
Marathon bid to part conjoined Bangladeshi twins
Encephalitis kills 3 in India despite vaccination
Canada PM visits India to boost trade, tourism
Japan 3Q GDP surprises with 4.8 percent growth
S.Korea c.bank asks Fed for FX swap extension-paper
Twitter to scrap controversial suggested user list
Tokyo shares mixed on pessimism about new issues
Canon to bid for Dutch printer maker Oce
Japan's economy posts strongest growth since 2007
Wicker Man, Equalizer actor Edward Woodward dies
| Entertainment
|
China shares up for 2nd day on possible yuan rise
Remittances of Filipinos abroad up 8.6 percent
Priced-out Londoners turn to empty homes
MARKETS-KOREA-STOCKS/ (UPDATE 2)=2
U.K. scientist unmasked as call girl Belle de Jour
FX makes date for "2012"
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights