Planet 51
2009 · Directed by Jorge Blanco
Original language: English
- animation
- family
- comedy
- science fiction
- adventure
The story
When Earth astronaut Capt. Chuck Baker arrives on Planet 51 -- a world reminiscent of American suburbia circa 1950 -- he tries to avoid capture, recover his spaceship and make it home safely, all with the help of an empathetic little green being.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated 3D animation with the glossy, rounded look of early-2000s CGI family films: candy-coloured pastels, rounded cars, and a planet styled as a 1950s American suburb of pastel houses, picket fences, drive-ins and sunny lawns under a clean blue-green sky. The camera moves briskly through wide establishing shots and quick cuts, with lots of slapstick energy and a bouncy, orchestral-pop score that keeps the mood upbeat. Its vibe is cheerful, retro-kitsch and easygoing, the kind of thing for a lazy weekend afternoon with kids or a light family movie night. Pacing is brisk and gag-driven, with an emotional thread about an outsider and a frightened little alien learning to trust each other and let go of fear. Intensity is very low: some mild peril and chase sequences, a few chaotic moments and goofy alien-versus-human jokes, but no gore, no real violence and no frightening content. Made for families and younger viewers, and for adults who enjoy playful, colourful animation with a sweet heart.
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