"Aliens Ate My Homework" is a family-friendly sci-fi adventure film released in 2018. It is directed by Sean McNamara and based on the book series of the same name by Bruce Coville. The film stars Jayden Greig as Rod, a precocious 12-year-old boy who loves science fiction and dreams of one day encountering aliens. His wish comes true when a group of tiny, fuzzy extraterrestrials crash-land on Earth, seeking his help to save the entire planet from destruction.
Rod is a bright and curious kid, but he struggles to fit in at school and often finds himself the target of bullies. However, his life changes when he discovers an alien spacecraft in his backyard and meets the tiny creatures known as the "Ghoulies." Despite being frightened at first, Rod quickly befriends the Ghoulies and learns that they have crash-landed on Earth because their species is being hunted down by a sinister, shape-shifting alien race known as the "Spooners."
With the fate of the entire galaxy at stake, Rod and his new alien friends must team up to stop the Spooners and save the Ghoulies' home planet from destruction. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles and adversaries, including government agents, bullies, and a nosy neighbor with a penchant for conspiracy theories.
Jayden Greig delivers a likable and engaging performance as Rod, bringing a sense of curiosity, intelligence, and humor to the role. Kirsten Robek and Alexia Stroup play Rod's mother and sister, respectively, providing a warm and supportive family backdrop to the sci-fi shenanigans. London Cardinal is also enjoyable as Elspeth, a fellow alien fanatic who befriends Rod and helps him in his quest.
The special effects in "Aliens Ate My Homework" are charmingly old-school, with the Ghoulies in particular being cute and endearing creatures that kids will love. The film's overall tone is light and playful, with a sense of irreverent fun that will appeal to younger audiences. There are also some nods to classic sci-fi films and tropes, including a direct reference to "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
While "Aliens Ate My Homework" may not offer much in the way of deep themes or complex character development, it is an enjoyable and entertaining ride that will delight kids and families looking for a fun sci-fi adventure. The film's message of the importance of standing up to bullies and believing in oneself is also a timely one that parents may appreciate.
In conclusion, "Aliens Ate My Homework" is a charming and family-friendly sci-fi adventure film that delivers on fun and entertainment. Its likable cast of characters, playful tone, and cute alien creatures make it a delightful watch for younger audiences, while the film's messages about courage and self-belief add a touch of substance to the story. Fans of the original book series may not find the film entirely faithful to its source material, but as a standalone popcorn flick, "Aliens Ate My Homework" is a satisfying way to spend an afternoon.
Aliens Ate My Homework is a 2018 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.