MARS NEEDS MOMS

What if the martians decide that Mars Needs Moms more than you?

Every kid knows what it's like to wish their mom would just back off and leave them alone, and every mom knows what it's like to hit that frustration point where life seems like it would be a whole lot simpler without a kid.  It's easy to let hurtful words fly out of your mouth in these moments.  Words like, "I wish you weren't my mom" or "I'd be happier if you were on Mars" would not be out of the ordinary, but what if they suddenly came true?  What if the martians decide that Mars Needs Moms more than you?

This is exactly what happens to Milo (voiced by Seth Green) and his mom (voiced by Joan Cusack) after a night of bickering over broccoli and TV.  With dad out of town on a delayed flight, the two quickly run out of patience with one another and find themselves saying too much.  Unfortunately, Mom is kidnapped by aliens immediately after she and Milo cross the line.  Instead of apologizing and making up, they find themselves separated by the bizarrest of circumstances.

Action, adventure, and comedy ensues as Milo works to rescue his mom, but what makes the film worthwhile is Milo's deepening appreciation for his mother.  The more it begins to seem as though he's not going to get her back, the more he realizes how much he loves her.  Mars may need moms, but I think most of us would argue that no one needs our particular mom more than we do.  Though the motion capture animation (also used in The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol) won't appeal to all viewers, the film's sweet sentiment and quick pace make it watchable and enjoyable for the whole family.

DVD & BLU-RAY NOTES

DVD extras include behind-the-scenes fun with Seth Green and a course in Martian 101, and things just get fancier from there.  The movie download includes the DVD bonus material as well as three deleted scenes.  The Blu-Ray 2D edition features the DVD extras and an extended opening, a featurette on motion-capture animation, seven deleted scenes with introductions by Simon Wells, and a fun "Easter Egg".  The Blu-Ray 3D edition includes everything above as well as the 3D exclusive alternate "Mom-Napping" scene.