Movie Review - Escape from Planet Earth

Escape from Planet Earth $$$   

PG

89 Minutes

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Jessica Alba, Rob Corddry, and Ricky Gervais.

Director: Cal Brunker.

 

            This is a film that I almost missed. I don’t know how large of an advertising campaign it had, but I saw virtually nothing about it besides posters at the theater. That being said, I found it to be a fun movie.

            Scorch (Brendan Fraser) and Gary (Rob Corddry) are brothers on the planet of Baab (pronounced Bob). Of course, they are as different as brothers can be. Scorch is the younger, famous brother that works as a full time hero. Gary is the genius that puts supports him on his BASA missions. 

            Problems arise when the two have an argument and Gary quits, or is fired depending on which of the brothers you ask. Scorch accepts an ill-advised mission to the Dark Planet; so named because no one has ever returned from it. Then, you guessed it, Gary heads off on his own to rescue his little-bigger brother.

            If you are in the mood for cute and funny family movie, then this will be just right for you. There are plenty of laughs throughout it. And there is even the customary bonding scene between the good guys at the appropriate time. Overall, it was a good time.

            That being said, it is extremely predictable. Blame the writing for the faults, which are few, in this film. They were witty enough naming human characters after well-known directors, but a little more attention to the plot could have resulted in a much more spectacular story.

            I gave this movie three movie-bucks because it was a good matinee choice for the family. Although, the special effects and sound effects were not spectacular enough that you would miss anything if you saw the movie at a discount theater. The kids should love it. Adults should be able to tolerate it. I enjoyed it.

 

 

                        Randy’s Rating System 

$$$$   = Full Price    See this movie right away and pay full price, it’s worth it.

$$$     = Matinee      Catch this as a matinee or other discounted showing.

$$        = Discount     Wait until this movie reaches a discount theater near you.

$          = Rental         Wait until this movie reaches your local video rental outlet.

0          = No Sale       Don’t see this movie at any price.