Submitted by Zane W. Olesen 
(Dec 12, 2002)Monsters Inc
Monster Hit
From the folks at Pixar, the hugely successful computer animated production-company that has brought us both “Toy Story” movies, now presents us with “Monsters Inc.”
We all have tendency to prejudge a movie base upon the previews. Especially when lately movies trying to get the jump on the competition begin previewing their movies six to eight months in advance. So watching trailers for “Monsters Inc” for about that time I was not really all that jazzed about seeing it. In part I’m such a huge fan of the two “Toy Story” movies. I mean I’m really fond of those movies and was thinking it unlikely that lighting could strike three times.
And this is one of those times a person enjoys being wrong. “Monsters Inc” is not only a third lighting strike but magic. Yes I can honestly say that this movie made me want to stand up and cheer. This is a feel good movie all the way.
The premise is in a city of monsters, where the monsters are terrified of humans, especially children. This city is powered by the screams of fright from children. There are only so many years to harvest the screams of childhood, as oncoming maturity will make them immune to the monsters in their closets.
The most successful team of scream collectors are Sully, (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal). There’s been stiff competition to be the scream leader, and Sully and Mike have continually beaten them all out.
The monsters of this city are of an extraordinary array of shape, size, and color. Mike is pretty much a giant eye with green spindly arms and legs. Sully is huge rainbow fur colored, cross between a gorilla and bear, with a tail thrown in for good measure.
Though these monsters go through these doors that enter into the closets of the world’s children to collect their screams these monsters are terrified of children. They believe that children are toxic and killing machines. This city has a critical situation response team, like SWAT or FBI, which responds to any report about anything belonging to a child inadvertently being brought back. And worst thing imaginable is if a child were actually brought back.
Well that’s what happens to Sully, he accidentally brings back a human girl child named Boo. There is total hysteria and mayhem that ensues when Mike and Sully learn they have brought a child back with them, and they try to hide it from everyone until they can find a way to send her back.
They soon learn that it may not have been an accident Boo came back as their main competitor Randall Boggs, Steve Buscemi, has a nefarious plot to become the number one supplier of screams.
During the panic and confusion Sully comes to believe that Boo isn’t toxic or dangerous at all. Sully then slowly becomes attached to Boo’s charming and fearless cute ways. For the record the use of Mary Gibbs, a real four year old, for the voice over was a sheer brilliant masterstroke by the directors.
There is so much visual entertainment here that it is a monumentally thrilling experience to sit through. The story, the plot, all the great voices, this is a movie that will surely be a classic. The Pixar company has really out done themselves this time and I would hate to be in their shoes when they release their next production.
Also this is great family entertainment. If you have children, or nieces and nephews they will love you for taking them to this fantastic flick. Or if you’re an adult and need a feel good laugh experience then check “Monsters Inc.” out. Also there is a short feature in the beginning that alone is worth the price of admission, it had me laughing out loud like I haven’t done in a long time. It was a great priming appetizer for the main course of “Monsters Inc”.
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(15 ratings)