B.O.B.: What do people scream when they see you coming? Like “Look out! Here comes…?”
[leaves the question hanging]
Susan Murphy: Susan.
B.O.B.: [spookily] SUUUUSSAAANN!
[beat]
B.O.B.: Ooh, I just scared myself!

Yeah, this movie is scary . . . scary good! I had a tough time getting to the theater the night of the screening so I was admittedly not in a good mood. Well this movie turned my frown upside down. It was a lot of fun. It was very funny, very cute, very entertaining, and action packed. The animation was crisp and realistic. Unfortunately the screening I attended was not in 3D so I can’t tell you how good the 3D version is. There was someone present that did get a chance to see the 3D version and I heard him commenting that the 3D doesn’t add a whole lot to the movie. I figure its good enough just seeing it normal. It’s also one of those animated movies that is just as good for adults as it is for kids. There was a pretty good ratio of both in the screening and everybody was enjoying it. It has a good story and good humor for both groups. As far as the story goes, the title says it all . . . and you know the title will appeal to the kids. I mean what can be cooler than watching a movie that pits monsters against aliens, right? The storyline is actually pretty clever and not overly simplified. It also has bonus material in the form of well animated military action and high tech gadgetry both domestic and alien.

B.O.B.: [to an alien robot] Welcome! We are here to destroy you!
That is one of my personal favorite lines in the movie. This film has a choice cast including Seth Rogen who does the voice for B.O.B. , easily the most entertaining character. In general, every character is a character in this flick. They really give the movie flavor and its amazing how quickly and easily you grow attached to them all. Most especially with the star of the show, Susan, voiced by Reese Witherspoon. It was also amazing how her America’s sweetheart status and charm ooze through this animated character. It doesn’t even have to be physically her in order to make her character completely lovable. That’s Reese for you. Other honorable mentions are Hugh Laurie, the voice of Dr. Cockroach Ph.D., and Rainn Wilson, the voice of Gallaxhar, the alien. Both of these guys did a great job with their respective and very appropriate voices for their characters.

This movie, as with most Dreamworks animated pictures, has a very good selection of music that fits well and is used at just the right moments. There was a theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind moment that had me totally cracking up. This was quickly followed by an Axel F groove that you just got to see it to believe it. There was a nice touch of Planet Claire in the mix as well. As simple as this movie is, it really is well rounded. You could call it a light-hearted combination of Mars Attacks and The Incredibles, sort of. The direction of this film combined the efforts of a director from Shrek 2, Conrad Vernon, and a director from Shark Tale, Rob Letterman. Together they did a fine job with this work. It is at least as good as the other movies they’ve done. This is a good movie choice to take your kids and you will enjoy it too.

Review By Cine Marcos

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With the catch of being based on a true story, we get the Haunting of Connecticut. A “horror” film with big expectations, tons of advisement and very few scares.

When reviewing films based on adaptations or true stories, it is very difficult stay away from comparing the film to the real story or to the book in the case of an adaptation. To not deviate too much from that point of view. I just have to say that there were lots of problems that I had with this movie. I don’t know if it was the lack of research by the writers or Hollywood just being Hollywood, that filmmakers continue to fail to produce an intelligent and interesting film, based on a suppose real paranormal story.

I have read and seen the Discovery Channel documentary about a The Haunting in Connecticut, so I know a little about of the presume true story and I must say that I was very disappointed with the film.Like is always the case with these adaptations, there were many of key moments and elements that happen in the lives of the Snedeker’s family that are not part of the film. An example of this was not having in the movie Ed and Lorraine Waren, that in my opinion play a major role in the lives of the Snedeker’s family. Having them in the movie could of have been so much better, making the film more intriguing for the audience. Instead screenwriters Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe decided to focus on Reverend Nicholas played by Elias Koteas, which was contacted by the Snedekers to examine the house. It looks like the screenwriters were trying to make the audiences think in of the “Exorcist”.

Overall if you don’t know anything about the story, you would probably find The Haunting in Connecticut entertaining enough, on the other hand if you know the story you will be very disappointed.

Review By James

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