Technology bridges magic in Disney’s Mars Needs Moms, which opened over the weekend in theaters nationwide. The computer-animated sci-fi film follows the story of nine year old Milo, who goes on a space quest to find his mom who has been abducted by Martians. The film, which is based on a children’s picture book by Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist Berkeley “Berke” Breathed, stars Seth Green, Dan Fogler, Elisabeth Harnois, Mindy Sterling , Kevin Cahoon and Joan Cusack.
Photo Credit: Disney
Here is a brief synopsis:
Take out the trash, eat your broccoli—who needs moms, anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out just how much he needshis mom (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young. “Mars Needs Moms” showcases Milo’s quest to save his mom—a wild adventure in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D that involves stowing away on a spaceship, navigating an elaborate, multi-level planet and taking on the alien nation and their leader (Mindy Sterling). With the help of a tech-savvy, underground earthman named Gribble (Dan Fogler) and a rebel Martian girl called Ki (Elisabeth Harnois), Milo just might find his way back to his mom—in more ways than one.
The film, which was produced by the team behind “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” is visually stunning and made for 3D. Unlike traditional animation, the scenes are rich in depth and viewers are transported into the multi-level world under the surface of Mars created by the filmmakers. The characters resemble their respective actors in many ways and the scenes have a surreal quality to them.
Photo Credit: Disney
The story itself is moving, although in my opinion, not suitable for younger, preschool-aged children like my son. Specifically, the film touches on Gribble’s loss of his mother and there is a very emotional scene at the end. The film elevates moms and reminds us of how important they are to both children and adults. The love and relationship between a mother and her child is depicted beautifully, particularly towards the end of the film which left me in tears. Friendship, family, and love are all explored in the movie, which ends positively.
Photo Credit: Disney
My favorite character is Ki, played by Elisabeth Harnois. She is the young, hip tagger who teaches herself to speak English and is striving to infuse a little color into an otherwise dark and dismal world. She’s instrumental in helping Milo find his mother and transforms an otherwise grumpy Gribble.
Photo Credit: El Capitan Theatre
Mars Needs Moms is playing in theaters nationwide. If you’re SoCal centric, you can see the film during it’s limited engagement at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood through April 21st. To celebrate the film’s opening, the theater will host a special NASA and JPL Space Exploration Exhibit where guests can learn about NASA’s exploration of Mars before and after each showing. The display from NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology features authentic models of the Phoenix Lander, Curiosity Rover, Mars Odyssey Orbiter, and more. And, be sure to sign up for TIPPR because they currently have a deal where you can get one adult and one child admission to Mars Needs Moms for just $22! You can also get this deal when you order tickets via phone (818) 845-3110 or at the box office through the run of the film at the theater with the code “broccoli.”
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No compensation was received for this post. I attended a preview screening of the film, courtesy of Disney.
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I really liked this movie!