Directed by: Simon Wells
Starring: Seth Green, Tom Everett Scott, Joan Cusack, Elisabeth Harnois, Dan Fogler, Dee Bradley Baker and Mindy Sterling
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Rated PG
Running Time: 98 minutes
3D Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
When I first saw “Mars Needs Moms”, I was excited I see Robert Zemeckis’s performance-capture mixed with Disney, but the film was disappointing. Watching it on 3D Blu-Ray, I was definitely willing to give the film a second chance. Unfortuntely I really didn’t enjoy it anymore than the first time. The 3D effects were great but I still couldn’t get over the bland story and character development. I think I am also hesitant for this film especially since it is primary reason for the closing of ImageMovers Digital, which created gems like “A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express”. What the film excels in is the picture quality and sound. Disney always delivers the best 1080p video and 7.1 surround sound, this also really adds to the 3D effects. Overall though this film simply doesn’t have the same feel as those other films. Most of today’s animated films have something for the adults, this film plays too stupid for adults and its barely enough for kids to enjoy.
We follow nine year-old Milo (Seth Green) as he tries to rescue his mom (Joan Cusack) who is kidnapped by Martians. The martians need moms to help raise there kids. While trying to save his mom, he get taken to Mars with her. He meets Gribble (Dan Fogler) and an alien named Ki (Elisabeth Harnois) and together they help him rescue his mom. The aliens are annoying and hard to take in large doses.
The extras on this film is really where this disc shines. Besides packing the Blu-ray 3D(TM) Feature Film with also features the Blu-ray(TM) Feature Film, DVD Feature Film and a Digital Copy Of Feature Film. The feature “Fun With Seth” is a featurette showcasing the on-set antics Of Seth Green And Dan Fogler. I enjoyed this since I could imagine how much fun it was to do the performance capture. The alternate & deleted scenes, are exclusive to 3D Blu-Ray, and even include some complete 3D scenes. Exclusive to Blu-ray disc are an extended opening and deleted scenes. One of my favorite features is “Life On Mars”, which shows the film in full motion-capture experience With audio commentary. The last is my least favorite called “Martian 101”, which is speech lessons to speak Martian. Overall the kids will might enjoy it and parents still will not.
