B.O.B.'s Big Break (NR)

common sense media says

Monsters vs. Aliens short too much for little kids.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this short animated film that comes packaged with the Monsters vs. Aliens DVD combines the same goofy characters with conflict and cartoon violence that might be disturbing to very young children. Two creatures attempt to blow up their friend with a bomb. The trio fights against an evil military foe by throwing gelatinous blobs at him and engaging in angry (though funny) exchanges, and a jet goes up in flames. Viewers can choose 2-D or 3-D, and the latter cranks up the intensity.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Not much of a message in this short film, though what little there is tends toward the negative. Friends insult each other (though humorously), and the general criticizes another's athletic ability by saying, "You throw like my 12-year-old niece."
Positive role models: When Dr. Cockroach discovers B.O.B.'s ability to read minds, his first thought is how he can take advantage of it to "rule the world."
Violence & scariness: The conflict between the monsters and the general ranges from slightly tense chase scenes to angry exchanges to getting trapped and hit by blobs. The fiery crash at the end might disturb sensitive kids.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: The characters mildly insult each other and use words like "stupid" and "party pooper."
Consumerism: The high profile of Monsters vs. Aliens means kids will see these characters as toys and other merchandise.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on B.O.B.'s Big Break

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about using force. In the movie the monsters are trapped and use force against the general to find an escape. When is it OK to use your hands or your body to force someone to do something? Is the kind of violence in the movie realistic?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In this offshoot of the CG-animated Monsters vs. Aliens, three characters -- B.O.B. (Seth Rogan), Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), and Missing Link (Will Arnett) -- attempt to escape their underground prison where they are watched over by General W.R. Monger (Kiefer Sutherland). When B.O.B. acquires mind-reading abilities after swallowing a bomb, Cockroach and Link use him to read Monger's mind and find escape methods.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The character of B.O.B. is hugely charming for all his clueless glee. His positive energy keeps the short film from turning too dark, and his mind-reading ability and general blobbiness is pretty funny. But the narrative arc is rather predictible, which is fine, but nothing to get too excited about.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
Director: Conrad Vernon, Rob Letterman
Cast: Kiefer Sutherland, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 20 minutes
DVD release: September 29, 2009
MPAA Rating: NR

This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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erinmort
parent of 4 year old
 
im sorry but it sucked!!
its short and crappy and not worth your time or money.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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