The only good movie opening this week is Monsters Vs Aliens, a charming 3D cartoon that offers a surprising lesson on kick-ass girl power. Feminist viewers will nod approvingly at the heroine who teaches viewers that you don’t need a man to be happy. Gay male audiences, on the other hand, won’t be so convinced.

Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon delivers a terrific voice performance as Susan, a young woman who is about to marry the man of her dreams. Just before the wedding, Susan is struck by a meteorite that turns her into a gigantic 50-foot woman.

Before she knows it, she is surrounded by soldiers who sedate her and send her off to a giant facility where other “monsters” are kept. Heartbroken and lonely, Susan finds true friendship in Dr. Cockroach; Bob the blob; Link the ape-fish; and Insectosaurus the giant maggot. Meanwhile, her fiance (Paul Rudd) conveniently gets on with his life and forgets her…

Directed by Rob Letterman (Shark Tale) and Conrad Vernon (Shrek 2), Monster Vs Aliens is a 3D treat that should delight the old ones as much as the young ones. Besides being well-written and visually beguiling, the voice performances by Reese and her supporting cast (including top comedians Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett and Stephen Colby) are stellar.

NOTE: Not all cinemas show it in 3D, so be sure to pick the ones that do.