Monsters, Inc. [G]

In the world of Monstropolis, there is a power shortage, and the only way the monsters can get power is by collecting the screams from human children and turning it into energy. Monsters Inc.’s top scarer Sully and his enthusiastic assistant Mike are doing their part to bring power to Monstropolis. With their sights set on the top, they are sure to break the All-Time Scare Record, but their chances diminish when a little girl named Boo wanders into their world and causes complete panic, as all monsters believe children are toxic. Now it’s up to Sully and Mike to get Boo home, but this is going to prove easier said than done. 

WHAT A FANTASTIC IDEA! Monsters, Inc. is a wonderfully original and fresh story that makes for a great family film that both kids and adults will enjoy equally. 

In the world of Monstropolis, there is a power shortage and the only way the monsters can get power is by collecting the screams from human children and turning it into energy. Monsters Inc.’s top scarer Sully and his enthusiastic assistant Mike are doing their part to bring power to Monstropolis. With their sights set on the top, they are sure to break the All-Time Scare Record, but their chances diminish when a little girl named Boo wanders into their world and causes complete panic, as all monsters believe children to be toxic and dangerous. Now it’s up to Sully and Mike to get Boo home, but this is going to prove easier said than done. 

Like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc. is a wonderful tale about friendship. I think the movie’s major appeal is the basic story. Monsters, Inc. takes that idea of first impressions and turns it on its ear with delightful and heart-warming irony. 

The film’s major hook is the idea that these fierce monsters, who do scare us, are actually just as scared of us as we are of them. That central message and irony is most evident in the character of Sully who, after being terrified of this little girl, grows to really love and care for her, like a father. It’s always heart-warming and lovely to look at characters like Sully, who are big, masculine, and sometimes quite terrifying, and see that they are really just big ol’ softies. It’s absolutely adorable! 

The amazing Pixar animation and bright colour will appeal to the young kids in the audience, the adults however, will respond to the fast-paced and witty script as well as the chemistry than can be heard rather then seen between the actors. This was a classic example of voices matching their animated characters, something that Hop (although made quite some time later) failed to do. 

Featuring the voice talents of John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Jennifer Tilly, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn, Bonnie Hunt, and Frank Oz, Monsters, Inc. is a fantastic family movie filled with amazing creatures, original ideas, friendship, action, and comedy. It’s one of my all-time favourites from Pixar!