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Monsters vs. Aliens

Monsters vs. Aliens

Date: May 27 2009

Grammar: Present Perfect Tense

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

With their cute characters, bright colors, and imaginative plots, animated movies traditionally appeal to children. But in recent years, some animated films like The Incredibles and Shrek have featured more sophisticated jokes and deeper themes, helping them reach adults as well as kids.

The new animated movie Monsters vs. Aliens tells the story of Ginormica, a 50-foot woman, and her fellow monsters, who must save the earth from a bunch of nasty aliens. The movie has eye-popping 3D animation, and Reese Witherspoon does the voice-over for Ginormica. But is the movie entertaining if you’re older than 13? Listen to Jason tell Dale what he thinks about the film.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Dale

Dale

Jason

Jason

Dale:  It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen a beautiful, good 3D movie.

Jason:  Oh, man, you gotta see Monsters vs. Aliens.

Dale:  How was that?

Jason:  It’s good! Yeah. The monsters look really cool. Each of the monsters is like really individualized. And they all look completely different. The idea is that there are just these monsters that the government has collected over time. And then they have to use them to battle these aliens that have invaded the earth.

Dale:  So there’s like spaceships, and like “take me to your leader” kind of thing?

Jason:  Yeah, and there’s all kinds of opportunities to use 3D with all the different creatures that are in the movie.

Dale:  So it did stand out and jump out at you?

Jason:  Yeah yeah, stuff…There’s definitely some ooze flying your way.

Dale:  Do you think it’s more of a kid thing?

Jason:  It’s mostly an underdog story. It’s about someone who, you know, discovers her inner strength and does things she never thought she could do. It just so happens she also happens to be 50 feet tall. But they managed to come up with a theme that bridges ages, I think.

 

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Discussion

Jason recently saw Monsters vs. Aliens, and he thought the animation looked really cool. All the fantastic creatures in the movie allowed the animators to get creative and come up with some eye-popping images.

Dale asks Jason if Monsters vs. Aliens is more of a kids’ movie, or if adults would like it, too. Jason thinks adults would like it because of its underdog theme. The main character, Ginormica, hates being 50 feet tall and wishes she could be a normal woman again. But in the end, she finds her inner strength and helps defeat the aliens.

What do you think an animated movie needs to appeal to adults?

 

Comments

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alice197

alice197

China

it sounds good!i will try it!

01:11 PM May 27 2009 |

Radiowagner

Brazil

I like 3D movies mainly for graphic effects, but the mesages that this movies bring are very good for kids and adults. 

12:57 PM May 27 2009 |

Joelc

Indonesia

I have browsed for four hours.

is it right?

12:56 PM May 27 2009 |

sary64

sary64

Saudi Arabia

SmileI like 3D movies are intresting for booth kids and adults and that is good now I can watch cartoons with my kids. 

12:13 PM May 27 2009 |

timousha

timousha

Algeria

Though I haven't watched the movie yet, but it seems so interesting.

11:42 AM May 27 2009 |

sofree

sofree

China

My opinion is only when an animation can both attract adults and kids, that is called a good one.

 

Why do we need any animation only kids would like? That must be childish and naive, adults would not spend much money on these crap, and the company who make these might break soon.

 

Anyone who's not agree with me, please give me a name of the company whose works only kids like while no adults like, and the company lasts over 5 years, I'll buy you a drink. Those supported by stupid government don't count.

 

In these years, my favorite western animation is WALL-E, and Kung Fu Panda is also good, others just so so. And I like Japanese 2D animation, One Piece, Bleach, Naruto, etc.

 

09:00 AM May 27 2009 |

htnhat

Viet Nam

I have not seen the movie yet. Besides, I am unable to catch the conversation between two men much. They speak so fast.

08:50 AM May 27 2009 |

L_a_d_a

L_a_d_a

Ukraine

i`ve seen this cartoon and i like it. nice story for children and adults.i think sophisticated jokes and deeper themes appears in cartoons because many adults like to watch it

07:04 AM May 27 2009 |

lucky不可爱

lucky不可爱

China

why the section 3 is wrong?please somebody help me~~i confused…

 

please please 

06:59 AM May 27 2009 |

July person

China

I can't agree with you more.The Tim and Jack carton is marrow forever.Wink

06:53 AM May 27 2009 |

Ina Wong

Ina Wong

China

well, a movie attractive to an adult should have many elements, such as love, imagination, philosophy and some other sophiscated things, which would bring attention to men's soul and let them think after seeing the movie.

But sometimes some simple movies for kids would win attention to them 'cause these movies  remind them of the good old days and that we are really tired of the sophiscated world and we prefer return to the time of kids.Wink

03:10 AM May 27 2009 |

Ina Wong

Ina Wong

China

well, a movie attractive to an adult should have many elements, such as love, imagination, philosophy and some other sophiscated things, which would bring attention to men's soul and let them think after seeing the movie.

But sometimes some simple movies for kids would win attention to them 'cause these movies  remind them of the good old days and that we are really tired of the sophiscated world and we prefer return to the time of kids.Wink

03:10 AM May 27 2009 |

mukashi

mukashi

Myanmar

Actually, I don't like 3D animated movie. It cannot appeal  to me. I am so sick of 3D movie.I'd love to watch cartoon, my favourite cartton is Tom and Jerry, very old one. But still loving .

02:08 AM May 27 2009 |

ericzx

ericzx

China

nice lesson~Tongue out

01:36 AM May 27 2009 |

alexa1

alexa1

Saudi Arabia

   i loved cartoon …..

01:27 AM May 27 2009 |

soranousagi

Viet Nam

Money mouth It is cool and eary understand :)

12:54 AM May 27 2009 |

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