40
The script lacks wit, and the in-joke references to cinematic sci-fi classics will soar over little kids' heads without pleasing many adults.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
St. Louis Post-Dispatch by Joe Williams
This movie, which was made by an animation studio in Spain, isn't trying to make a social statement; it speaks in the international language of lightweight comedy.
50
The Hollywood Reporter by Kirk Honeycutt
A perky though not terribly imaginative feature aimed primarily at youngsters.
20
Austin Chronicle by Marc Savlov
While expertly executed animation-wise and passably entertaining for very young kids (less so, their parents), is still as dull as the hull on Rocketship X-M.
50
Miami Herald by Rene Rodriguez
What's missing is originality and story and inventiveness.
63
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
Although not bowling me over, Planet 51 is a jolly and good-looking animated feature in glorious 2-D.
50
The A.V. Club by Tasha Robinson
Largely, it’s a jellybean of a movie: bright, colorful, sugary, and with no real content.
40
There's nothing funny, provocative or involving about what "Shrek" co-writer Joe Stillman and the team from Madrid-based Ilion Animation Studios do with the notion here.