 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Aliens in the Attic
- Review Date: July 30, 2009
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Silly teens-versus-aliens adventure is sure to delight kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this alien adventure comedy stars Disney Channel and Nickelodeon veterans like Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical) and Austin Robert Butler (Zoey 101), so expect tweens and younger elementary schoolers to be interested.There's a heavy dose of physical humor and action, as well as some mildperil, but it's fairly mild compared to other tween-targetedfilms. The language includes frequent use of insults like "stupid," "idiot," and "tool," while the consumerism focuses heavily onelectronics (Nintendo, Mac, X-box, etc.).
What's the story?
The six Pearson cousins are vacationing together in a rented lake house when Jake (Austin Butler) and Tom (Carter Jenkins) make a far-out discovery: There are four freaky Zirconian aliens in the attic, and they have pretty scary plans for humanity. Since the extra-terrestrials use a device that can control adults but not kids, the young Pearsons unite to save their parents -- and the rest of the world -- from the little green aliens.
Is it any good?
Since the aliens are funnier than they are frightening, the film's cartoonish nature should thrill even younger adventure-seekers. The two dads, played by comedic vets Kevin Nealon and Andy Richter, don't have much to do, although Nana (Doris Roberts) gets to star in a rather hilarious, Matrix-style fight against Bethany's (Ashley Tisdale) alien-operated boyfriend, Ricky (Robert Hoffman).
Ultimately, this is the classic formula of band-of-heroic-kids versus dangerous antagonists. In this case, one of the aliens (voiced by Josh Peck) is sympathetic to humans, so he helps the kids, too. While younger audiences will hoot and root for the Pearson clan, parents will snicker at the sight of children completely unfamiliar with a rotary phone and grown-ups so out of the loop that they'll think a descending alien force is a meteor shower. Consider this a Gremlins-lite for the X-box generation.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's cartoonish violence. Will younger kids be frightened, or do you think they'll understand from the start that the aliens aren't all that evil?
Parents can also discuss the kids' secrecy. Kids: is it generally a wise idea to keep important concerns from your parents?
An important issue is raised when Tom, a "mathlete," says he'd rather hide his intelligence and tank his grades than be labeled a nerd. Why is this a dangerous message? Why does Tom change his mind?
There's a noticeable amount of brand placement in the movie. What message do all those corporate logos send kids?
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AGE
Overall, good movie
The reason I put violence is because of the whole alien invasion thing. There's always some violence in those stories. For sexual stuff, Bethany wears a bikini while rubbing Ricky's bear back. There's no cursing, but this movie includes a lot of name-calling.
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AGE
Entertaining for Tweens
I always wonder why film makers find it necessary to include any remotely sexual content in movies marketed to young children. Although it may fly right over the heads of younger kids or older, desensitized children -- there are scenes involving the older sister and her boyfriend (who, it is revealed in the movie, has lied about his age in order to date a younger girl) which seem a bit naughty. There are public displays of affection, a scene near a pool where the girl sits in a revealing bikini and inferences that the boyfriend has lied about his car breaking down in order to spend the night in the same house with the girl(some might even infer that he wishes to sleep with her.) As is usually the case, the adults are portrayed as clueless and unresponsive to the concerns of their younger children.
As for the alien activity, I didn't find it at all scary and there is one friendly alien who is downright adorable. There is some slapstick-type violence and a few explosions. Overall, the movie is entertaining for older children and adults. My 12-year-old son enjoyed it.
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AGE
no real issues with content
Middle of the road, it kept me and my kids entertained but we all agreed it wasn't one of the best movies we had seen lately. The adults were portrayed as completely clueless and frankly had little to do in this movie. I found myself wandering why Andy Richter and Doris Roberts even bothered to show up. A little bit of mild language and sensuality but nothing most kids don't see every day . . . .
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AGE
A kid-humored movie
I took my sons, 7 and 10, we enjoyed the movie. I was a little uncomfortable with the teenage daughter's relationship but she is in college (and they acted pretty true to life). The movie plugs into boy humor and their love of video games. See it for what it is... a silly, kid-humored movie with no educational value, just for fun.
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AGE
not for little kids
i was forced 2 see this but i guess it was ok but alittle 2 much sexy stuff for kids 8 and under wouldnt recommend for lil kids
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AGE
Good for both young and older siblings
Although the uncle is a little disreputable, the movie overall is a lot of fun. I didn't notice any "bad" language. Any rudeness was by the "bad guys" and funny anyway. My oldest is 11 yo and youngest is 6. It was perfect for both of them and I laughed a lot too.
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Kid, 11 years old
February 18, 2011
AGE
I love it,lol
Hirlorus,funny,smart and cool,this is sure to dilight many and the battle sences are really cool
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AGE
A wonderful family movie for kids of practically any age.
I babysit for a family of six kids ages: 4, 6, 7, 10, 10, and 11. We watched this movie and enjoyed it a lot. Though the kids are played by generally unknown actors (some breakouts like: Austin Butler and Carter Jenkins) the acting was still really believable. The aliens didn't really look like most people would think, they looked more like big green boogers to me, but the bond Hannah forms with the one nice alien is adorable. Funny jokes and sarcastic comments between the kids create a humorous air. Though you wonder how the adults can't hear the crashing and screaming from downstairs and the parental control seems slightly lost. Beth and Ricky's relationship is so fake seeming I don't even want to elaborate because it's doesn't affect the movie in any way. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Email me: ogormanscommonsense at yahoo. :)
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AGE
Don't miss it
Ok, so some of the stuff may be a little cheesy, but this movie you must see. It has action, but in a funny way. Even parents will enjoy this awesome comedy. So watch it, or you are missing out!
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AGE
Silly, fun, kids beat the aliens!
This was just a silly and fun movie where the kids are the heroes. There wasn't any bad language used (Oh Crud was the worst!!) and the kids have to learn to trust themselves and work as a team. There is a good lesson to be learned about not fitting in with the crowd.
I also picked up on some jokes the kids didn't get but we all had a good time!
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| Topics: | space and aliens |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | John Schultz |
| Cast: | Ashley Tisdale, Austin Robert Butler, Carter Jenkins |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 86 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 31, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | November 3, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | action violence, some suggestive humor and language. |
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