Monsters Inc

Every so often, a company comes along and changes the face of entertainment. In the past, big names like Disney and Dreamworks have paved the way for advances in animation that many in the past probably never dreamed possible. But long passed are the days when flipping through a paper booklet has defined the pinnacle of animation technology. Not until Toy Story premiered in 1995 had America seen such a drastic jump into unknown three-dimensional waters that a little outfit called Pixar was brave enough to tread. Disney, known for taking risks that turn out well for them, has combined forces with Pixar again to create, quite literally, a monster. As the fourth film from the now-well-known 3D studio, Monsters Inc. didn’t quite have a lot to live up to. Back in 2002 when it premiered, Monsters followed Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, and Toy Story 2 with just as much, if not more, gusto than its predecessors. Over the past seven years, it has had to stand the test of time. Where does it fit, really? It’s not the flagship of Pixar - everyone knows that title is held by the Toy Story films. Movies like WALL-E and Ratatouille have the advantage of being fresh on kids’ minds, having been released in the last couple of years. And let’s not forget Cars - a film so flashy that wresting little boys away from the TV has become a legalized sport in probably about 37 states. However, Monsters Inc. is, without a doubt, the most underrated of all the Pixar films, and arguably the best. It tells the story about an all-monster society that relies on children’s screams to power the city, and the hilarity that ensues when things don’t quite go to plan. It doesn’t try too heard to teach a lesson or resort to bright lights and action to teach its viewers about life, but it succeeds at doing this anyway. It possesses the charm of classic 2D Disney films, while using its 3D capabilities as an enhancement instead of a crutch. Sometime it’s tough to recreate this charm, what with kids being shielded so closely - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing - but don’t you remember when you’d go back and watch movies you’d seen as a kid and finally get the mild adult humor the writers threw in? As far as a cute kids’ storyline goes, Monsters shines - but rest assured it doesn’t skimp on jokes that those of us over the age of 10 will enjoy enough to not only carry us through the film, but allow us to cherish it. As if a fresh, original storyline wasn‘t enough, the casting is perfect. Billy Crystal and John Goodman are spot-on as the fast-talking, lovable Mike and beastly optimist Sulley, respectively. Steve Buscemi couldn’t have been replaced with anyone more effective as the villain Randall - he redefines sliminess and brings even more humor into the film. Jennifer Tilly, who is known for her voice, makes a welcome cameo as Mike’s girlfriend Celia. Viewers will fall in love with the little girl, Boo, whom Sulley becomes emotionally attached to, teaching kids (and adults) that nothing is stronger than love and laughter. 4.5/5 stars.

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