MOVIE REVIEWS

unWIRED Rating:

Planet 51

When an astronaut (Dwayne Johnson) lands on the alien inhabited world, he has to rely on a young astronomer (Justin Long), and his friends to get back to his ship and sail away in time to return home.

Planet 51 is a ton of fun for the whole family. Dwayne Johnson is nearly unrecognizable as Chuck and he plays a cocky astronaut perfectly. Justin Long does his normal routine, which the kids will love. However, what will get the adults watching it interested is the numerous references to the 50’s era of paranoia or to old sci-fi movies such as Star Wars. They’re thrown in there at a reasonable rate, so while the kiddies get the laughs from the sight gags, adults will get to enjoy a General Douglas McArther reference and others. It keeps it fun for the adults as well as the kids.

Among all the references and kid comedy, the plot plays out a little predictably, but it is mainly a kid’s comedy. However, it has a deeper message that the adults can see, then it is clearly expressed for the kids. The message is one that will always be relevant, and it does put the message in the forefront, for everyone to see.

Planet 51 is an enjoyable movie to watch with the children, and it has humor for the adult as well. The plot is a little predictable, but all in all, a fantastic kids movie.

** Written by Mark Marquez