Why "Mars Needs Moms" Bombed Part III

We've been analyzing (to death!) on why Disney's "Mars Needs Moms" was such a spectacular bomb (see Part I and Part II). Now comes another analysis on why the movie failed (thanks for the link, Gene!). It appears that if the animation gets too real, then it starts to look "creepy" and people will start noticing the flaws.

A theory called the "uncanny valley" says we tend to feel attracted to inanimate objects with human traits, the way a teddy bear or a rag doll seems cute. Our affection grows as an object looks more human. But if it looks too human, we suddenly become repulsed.

Instead of seeing what's similar, we notice the flaws — and the motionless eyes or awkward movements suddenly make us uncomfortable.

"Mars" may have plunged to the bottom of this valley of fear.

Be as it may, at some point, we may start to over-analyze the situation (this, coming from someone who's at Part III of this discussion). Maybe the story just suck and not many people are attracted to it.

Some time a cigar is just a cigar....

Zz.