PLANET 51

RYAN: “Planet 51” is a new animated film written by the guy who did “Shrek” and directed by some video game directors.

CAROLINE: You know I don’t do kids’ movies. So lay it on me.

RYAN: It’s good.

CAROLINE: …but what?

RYAN: But nothing. I mean, it’s not the best animated movie I’ve ever seen but it’s clever and very cute.

CAROLINE: That’s acceptable.

RYAN: Yes. And it’s actually one of the first movies I’ve had the opportunity to take my niece and nephew to – ages 9 and 7 – and they both loved it.

CAROLINE: Well, that is telling, since they are the target audience.

RYAN: Exactly. But really, the premise is great. It’s clever, you know, about a human being as the alien on an alien planet. And of course he’s misunderstood and feared and all that we’d probably do if an alien came to Earth. And I appreciate the sci-fi angle.

CAROLINE: Who are the voices?

RYAN: Kids movie extraordinaire, Dwayne Johnson, is the human.

CAROLINE: Is there ever going to be a kids movie ever again that he’s not in? Or no – will he ever make a non-children’s film?

RYAN: With his upcoming “Tooth Fairy” film, I’m sure that’s a rhetorical question. Anyway, I like him a lot. He’s talented. I’ve seen most of his movies from “Race to Witch Mountain,” etc… and I think he’s great.

CAROLINE: Who else?

RYAN: Justin Long, Seann William Scott, John Cleese, Jessica Biel and Gary Oldman.

CAROLINE: Random mix. Was Jessica godawful?

RYAN: She was actually fine in this.

CAROLINE: How long was it?

RYAN: Just an hour and forty minutes. Not bad.

CAROLINE: Well they got that right.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: It’s not quite a blockbuster-caliber animated film, like “Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” but it is rather adorable and fun. The music is fabulous. There’s enough innuendo and comedy to entertain the older crowd who accompanies the kids to this one. It’s not a must see but the kids will enjoy it for sure.

— RATING —