Aliens in the Attic is a 2009 American science fiction comedy film directed by John Schultz and written by Mark Burton and Adam F. Goldberg. The movie features a cast that includes Carter Jenkins, Ashley Tisdale, Austin Butler, and Kevin Nealon, alongside voice performances from Josh Peck and J.K. Simmons. The plot revolves around the Pearson family, who find themselves defending their vacation home from a group of small aliens known as the Zirkonians, who have plans to invade Earth. The story takes a turn when one of the aliens, Sparks, decides to betray his comrades and assists the children in their fight against the invasion.
The film begins with the Pearson family arriving at their summer vacation rental in Creek Landing, Michigan. As they settle in, strange occurrences begin when four alien pods crash land on their roof during a storm. The aliens, led by the tough commander Skip and his muscle-bound companion Tazer, use a mind control device to manipulate the adults in the house while the children—Tom, Jake, and their cousins—must band together to thwart the alien invasion. They quickly discover that the mind control device only affects adults, giving them a unique advantage in their battle against the extraterrestrial intruders.
Despite its engaging premise and family-friendly humor, Aliens in the Attic received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. It grossed approximately $59.6 million worldwide against a production budget of $45 million, which classified it as a box office disappointment. Critics noted that while it was light-hearted and suitable for children, it lacked originality and depth compared to other films in the genre. The film's runtime is 86 minutes and it is rated PG for language, action/violence, and some suggestive humor.
Overall, Aliens in the Attic combines elements of adventure and comedy with a sci-fi twist, making it a light-hearted choice for family viewing despite its critical reception.