Editor’s Note: The following reflects the opinions of the author.
“Escape from Planet Earth” follows the story of two blue alien brothers living on a planet called Baab, both working as a team for an organization that sends out astronauts on rescue missions.
When the reckless hero of Baab, Scorch, voiced by Brendan Fraser, is sent on an assignment to the “dark planet,” his brother and behind-the-scenes brain of Scorch’s missions, Gary, voiced by Rob Corddry, is extremely hesitant. After arguing about whether or not Scorch should go, Gary quits his job altogether.
One thing leads to another and eventually the two brothers find themselves stranded on the dark planet, where they are captured by a sadistic government officer determined to destroy their planet.
This extraterrestrial story is just like any other – the aliens are shunned before they are welcomed. But its overall tone is cynical and unwelcoming, more so than a children’s movie should be.
The stereotypes are completely over the top as well. There is Scorch, who is the epitome of the negative jock persona, lacking any mental ability whatsoever and operating purely on instinct. Then there is Gary, the “nerd,” who is made fun of constantly despite his superior intelligence, leadership and skill with his job.
If the actual overall messages in the movie were legible, they would be excellent lessons for children, but this film is a whirlwind of cynicism, jokes about adults that easily go over the heads of children and social stigmas that serve no purpose other than to be mocked.
The bond between the two brothers is a strong feature, especially shown when Gary abandons his reservations about the mission and follows Scorch into the most terrifying planet known to Baab.
Even so, there is not much real emotional depth in this relationship. It seems as if they are tied together by blood alone.
Most of the characters have no real individual personalities either. Many of them simply embody the stereotype they fall under.
The one real redeeming characteristic of this movie is that the animation is well done and fitting. Though the aliens look like stereotypical aliens, there are other kinds of original creatures that are worth taking note of.
This being said, while the animation is what makes this movie bearable to watch through a first time, there is nothing to merit a second viewing.
Rating: One out of four stars.
Story: CHELLA MCLELLAND, Intern A&E Reporter