It's a question that probably doesn't keep "what if?" theorists awake at night, but here goes: If there was no Pixar, would we become more lenient, accepting and even grateful for every other animated film release? More appreciative of their best qualities?

The question bugs again with "Monsters vs. Aliens," a good, entertaining animated film that falls short of the work of its chief rival. Still, like "Kung Fu Panda" before it, the DreamWorks Animation effort tickles even if it doesn't overwhelm.

In "Monsters vs. Aliens," a giant alien has crashed into Earth, in Modesto specifically. The landing is atop (literally) blushing bride-to-be Susan (Reese Witherspoon), ready to tie the knot with her self-centered, TV weatherman boyfriend. The alien landing, though, changes everything. Susan now emits a green glow, nothing compared to when she begins growing into a giant during the wedding ceremony.

Soon, government agents swoop in, spiriting the humongous Susan to a secure facility, where she joins other oddly shaped monsters, all given a promise: If they combine talents to defeat the invading alien, they will win release and have their freedom again.

The battle is on, and soon the likable monsters, including a mutant cockroach and a blue blob of gelatinous matter named B.O.B., discover their real enemy is not the invading alien, but the diabolical genius Galaxhar (Rainn Wilson), who seeks to destroy Earth. Their quest to stop the fiend is fraught with peril, and includes numerous high-speed escapades and close calls.

"Monsters vs. Aliens" is kid-friendly mayhem relying on the usual combo of mild action sequences and witty throwaway lines, making it a soft-danger entertainment with enough innuendo to keep grown-ups smiling, if not howling.

The film does considerably better in its scenes where characters are interacting with rat-a-tat dialogue, rather than the lengthy action sequences, mechanically impressive but ultimately repetitive.

Witherspoon employs her usual spunk, giving Susan a likable, everyday gal sort of presence while also presenting her as an admirable female superhero, but it's Seth Rogen as the clueless blob who earns most of our attention and affection. Perhaps it's not fair to compare everything we see to past Pixar entries, so on its own, "Monsters vs. Aliens" roars a little, earning an appreciative pat on its collective, oddball little heads.

B

"Monsters vs. Aliens"

Featuring voices of: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie

Directors: Conrad Vernon, Rob Letterman

Studio: DreamWorks Animation

Rated: PG (for sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language)

RT: 94 minutes