Planet 51

Dec 3 2009 Uxbridge Gazette

A Spanish studio embarks on a galactic adventure with their debut release, writes PIERCE HUNT

WHEN Pyro Studios, a video game developer, created Ilion Animation Studios to produce computeranimated films for the big screen, you can just imagine them dreaming of the sound of tills ringing in their ears with the amount of cash that would surely come flooding in from this crossover venture. But, judging from the studio's first feature film, it seems like that may be wishful thinking.

With all the big boys of the animation world, Disney/Pixar and DreamWorks, releasing astonishing 3D films in the past 12 months, little Ilion Animation Studios, based in Madrid, are just finding their feet with this 2D debut. And, unfortunately, Planet 51 is unlikely to set the world alight, which is a shame considering writer Joe Stillman was behind the animated masterpiece Shrek.

The premise of the film is quirky - a planet inhabited by little green men, whose lifestyles are eerily similar to 1950s America, is visited by a human. The people of Planet 51 happily go about their lives in a carefree, white picket fenced world, and are only fearful of an alien invasion.

The adventure begins when a NASA astronaut, Captain Charles 'Chuck' Baker (Dwayne Johnson), lands in the garden of teenage space museum curator Lem (Justin Long). After causing hysteria in small town suburbia, Chuck befriends Lem, who wants to help the human get to his ship and back home to Earth. But first Chuck must navigate his way through the alien landscape with the help of his new friend and robot companion, Rover.

Planet 51 feels a lot like ET, but in reverse, and there's even a homage to the 80s classic, along with a long list of other film references throughout. The animation looks great but the film is let down by a pitiful helping of humorous segments scattered around a rather fluffy narrative. But it's the visuals that will win the younger audience members over. Rover soon becomes a firm favourite with children and adults alike, with his Wall-E quirks and dog-like antics.

It's unlikely that Planet 51 will be breaking box office records - I'm sure Ilion will be happy to break even after shelling out $60million for this space mission, and only making $30m so far from worldwide revenue.

It's an okay film - children under 10 will be in awe - even if parents' minds begin to wander after 30 minutes.