Planet 51

I remember watching Planet 51 a few years ago and thinking it was hilarious. I also thought it was probably full of cleverly placed references to alien films or happenings, which I don't know much about. I never really had that much for alien films before. Even though the ratings of this film are pretty low, (21% Rotten Tomatoes, 39% Metacritic) I still think the film is pretty clever. Sure, the plot was a bit predictable, but you don't often see such films through the eyes of the creatures on the other side.

The story basically consists of a recognisable plot line from the past few decennia: boy likes girl, she is sort of interested, but the mixed signals the clumsy boy releases are a bit off putting. Add some comic relief characters and lots of pop culture references and you've got yourself a film. Probably an easily forgettable film, but still a film. While "planet 51" occurs in the style of the 50's, and the human (for them alien) visitor is actually from the 21st century, a clash is created between the two worlds, which in turn ignites a comic reaction.

What I quite enjoy in "easy watch films" are references, and trying to find them all. First: the Rover Robor, reference the the Mars Rover and similar in design. Sending only pictures of rocks while a whole planet is at his feet (when he manages to escape that is. While imprisoned we see other appliances/satellites "captive" as well like Sputnik.) Other pop culture references are the bicycle from E.T., the housedog looking similar like the aliens in Aliens vs Predator and for example references made by the human character Chuck about Terminator and Star Wars. More recognisable things are the way the movies the aliens watch are similar to the alien films we produced years ago, comic book culture and even the portrayal of hippie culture (with the typical VW van. But without wheels, since all the vehicles hover. And it rains stone? Logical.)

So while the storyline was quite recognisable, recycled and predictable, it still makes it into an enjoyable film, but not necessarily a top notch film like we're used to from Pixar or Dreamworks. It's just that I have a soft spot for references and easter eggs which made this movie stand out a bit to me I guess.