Even if the visually similar Cloverfield and the thematically similar District 9 didn't already exist, this would still seem painfully hackneyed and obvious.

Although the vérité aesthetics of Monsters will invite comparisons to Cloverfield and District 9, what galls most is the infuriating lack of purpose beyond its backdrop. full review

Monsters is part immigration parable, part war allegory with a dose of It Happened One Night and The African Queen tossed in. full review

A sharp little low-fi monster movie operating from a tantalizing premise. full review

A stunning piece of work that packs a devastating emotional wallop. full review

"Monsters" is a rather special achievement. Think of it as a movie that M. Night Shyamalan (and we) would be happy he made. full review

The result impresses thanks to the lead actors' performances and Edwards' skilled efforts. But it should come with a warning: ''Here be (not many) monsters.'' full review

With Monsters, Edwards transcends the special-effects auteur label, creating a memorable sci-fi story in which the hero and heroine are true equals in the adventure. How's that for an alien concept? full review

Just remember, folks: If a NASA probe finds alien life forms in space, it's not a good idea to bring DNA samples back to Earth. full review

"Monsters" is no ordinary horror film. If it were, it might be a bit better than it is. As the movie stands, it's a less-than-compelling relationship drama, with aliens. full review

I want to convince you to see it but I don't want to hype it so much that the surprise is ruined. full review

Monsters wants to be an allegory about American self-absorption or the panic over immigration or something; exactly what is never very clear. full review

The immigration and drug war parable and photojournalism ethics are never front and center, but draw attention because Edwards doesn't deliver well-earned frights or even cheap jolts. It's a good-looking movie with zero sense of urgency. full review

Edwards is a wizard with his laptop's effects program. The squiddy things he conjures up look like the real deal - thoroughly creepy and a gazillion feet tall. full review

What brings Monsters down from its extremely low perch is a conspicuous lack of monstrosity -- the best the filmmaker's laptop has come up with is fleeting glimpses of supersize squid -- together with the vacuousness of the hero and heroine... full review

Both of them are so obnoxious that you're quickly rooting for the monsters to get them. Unfortunately, they're never in any real danger. full review

Effortlessly compels. The ending may be pure sci-fi schmaltz, but it's schmaltz that this viewer, at least, could believe in. full review

Monsters is far from perfect, but as a calling card for a rising young talent, it's impressive. full review