Hitting both conventional and IMAX theaters today is DreamWork’s Monsters Vs Aliens, the first of the studio’s animated films to be released in 3-D. Critical buzz surrounding the science fiction comedy has been mostly positive so far, with a current 68% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewer Nell Minow calls the flick “An expert blend of silly fun, action that is mostly more exciting than scary, a few clever barbs, and some sheer bravura visuals,” while Eric D. Snider states, “Jaunty, jokey, and absolutely bursting with visual energy, it is unquestionably a treat.” However, some critics were left with more negative view on the movie, with Charles Koplinski deeming the film “A surprisingly dull affair.” Monsters Vs Aliens will be playing in 4,104 theaters and stars the voice talents of Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, and Stephen Colbert.

UPDATE: Animated Views speaks exclusively to the co-director (with Rob Letterman) of Monsters Vs Aliens, Conrad Vernon, about the genesis of the project and its influences.