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Monsters, Inc.

Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman
Director: Peter Docter
Genre: Comedy
Year: 2001
Rating: 3 / 5

Pixar hit it big in 1995 with Toy Story, and, though not for lack of trying, the organization has not been able to duplicate that magic ever since. Nevertheless, Monsters, Inc., a collaboration between Pixar and Disney, is a thoroughly enjoyable film with enough warmth to power an entire city. (This is all too true, especially in light of the film's rather clever plot, involving a unique method of mining energy.) Billy Crystal and John Goodman provide the lead voices, lending credibility and comedic punch to this cute, family-friendly fare. Monsters, Inc. will never be confused with some of its animation predecessors, but it is sure to bring a smile to moviegoers everywhere.

Sully (John Goodman) and his co-worker Mike (Billy Crystal) are closing in on the all-time scare record at Monsters, Inc., their city's chief supplier of power. It seems that their world is powered by the strangest of all natural resources: the screams of human children. These screams are captured, harnessed, and used to power an entire civilization. Sully is one of the monsters sent on daily missions to "retrieve" these screams from the bodies of unsuspecting children everywhere. The monsters are sent through magical doorways into human bedrooms, they whip munchkins into a frenzy, then return with more of the precious energy commodity. It is a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.

At the end of a routine scare mission, Sully returns with an unexpected carry-on - adorable little Boo (Mary Gibbs). This young girl hops on Sully's back and travels with him to the monster's home world. Rather than getting caught up in how cute and cuddly Boo is, the monsters react as only they could - they scream and run in terror. It seems that, while extracting screams in a necessary evil, monsters believe children to be contaminated! Anyone seen touching any child's belongings - let alone an actual child - is immediately wrestled to the ground by the omnipresent Child Detection Agency (CDA). Imagine the monsters' response when a young human girl begins dancing in their midst!

Monsters, Inc. is quite the entertaining film, even if it is lacking in certain areas. Unlike Toy Story, Monsters offers more for children than for adults, choosing to focus on clever animation and goofy pratfalls for laughs. The target audience is clearly much younger for this film, and it shows in the film's overall tone. What is does, though, it does well. Kids are sure to enjoy the friendly banter between the two leads, as well as the precious little girl, Boo. Monsters, Inc. is a feel-good film, and one which might even be a franchise in the making. It promises a warm tingle and a smile, and it surely delivers as much, which makes this film a true treat.

Cast:

Certification: Rated G.
Running Time: 92 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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