'Monsters' avoids 'Avatar' showdown

DreamWorks animated film moves up release

By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

DreamWorks Animation is moving up the release of 3-D toon "Monsters vs. Aliens" by one week to May 15, 2009, avoiding a direct showdown with James Cameron's 3-D pic "Avatar."

"Monsters vs. Aliens," an irreverent, modern-day update of the classic 1950s pic, is being directed by Conrad Vernon ("Shrek 2") and Rob Letterman ("Shark Tale").

Comedic actioner is the first DreamWorks Animation film to be produced in stereoscopic 3-D.

Both "Monsters" and sci-fi thriller "Avatar," from 20th Century Fox, had claimed the opening date of May 22, 2009.

"Avatar," a CGI/live-action hybrid, is Cameron's first feature directorial effort since "Titanic."