Monsters, Inc Review
by Tim Wick

I'm biased.

You need to know that up front.

I think that without exception, Pixar is producing the most enjoyable, most creative animated films in the world right now. Sorry Anime fans but that is my bias and you are going to have to live with it if you are going to have any perspective on my review.

Some might say that my bias is actually bad for a Pixar movie because I expect so much of one. In fact, I expect LESS of a Pixar film as it takes so little for me to fall in love with it.

So with that knowledge, I will tell you that I adored Monsters, Inc. just as I knew I would.

I think what really sets Pixar apart from it's competition is the incredible character design. In Monsters, Inc the creative team was given the tast of coming up with dozens of monsters to populate the world of the film. Obviously they attacked this assignment with a great deal of vigor and created a cast of characters both whimsical and just scary enough to convince you they are monsters.

Then the animation department and script writers managed to make those scary looking creatures likeable. Given this is a film for kids, that is so important.

I have to say what impressed me most was how close the film came to scary moments without ever crossing the line. The film is about monsters who scare children in order to harness the power of their screams (this is not a spoiler, it's given away in the first five minutes). Anything but a deft hand on the material could have given children nightmares. Instead, I would imagine a lot of children left the movie theatre far less concerned about the monsters under their bed.

The scariest moment in the film comes about 30 seconds in and it is quickly defused by humor. If you are wondering if you should take your kids to this the answer is absolutely. Shame on you if you don't.

This film will suffer because it will be compared with the admittedly superior Shrek, and other Pixar releases. I will admit that of all four Pixar films (Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Toy Story 2 and Monsters,Inc.), Monsters, Inc. places fourth. The problem is to equate that with being an inferior product. All four Pixar films (and Shrek) are fine films. One of them has to be the "worst." I've noticed many critics are far too concerned with pointing out this film is the "worst" and not on pointing out that it is still a wonderful piece of entertainment.

As with all other Pixar releases, Monsters, Inc. comes with a Pixar short tacked on the front. I can't remember the name of the short and haven't been able to track it down on line, but the thing was absolutely hysterical. Monsters, Inc. also featured the Star Wars teaser trailer which did little more than make me wish I was watching the full length trailer that will be attached to the upcoming Harry Potter film.

I really enjoyed this film. I mean any movie about monsters that includes a blatant reference to Ray Harryhausen has my vote no matter what. Pixar has continued to produce the product we have come to expect. Great Characters, clever writing and stunning animation. What's not to love?

Four and a half Beakers.

Monsters, Inc

Four and a half Beakers
(out of five)

Monsters, Inc Review
by Ishmael Williams

Okay, let's get right to it, I like this movie. I really like this movie.

Remember those monsters from under the bed, or in the closet the ones that used to scare us when we were little? Well, they live in a city, much like you and me. They have regular jobs (scaring us), which helps their city. And ultimately, they are afraid of us. You see, if we touch them it is toxic. And that's all the summary you'll get.

John Goodman supplies the voice for the lead character.er, monster. Much like the turn he did in The Emperor's New Groove, it's a solid performance, and his voice is well suited for the voice-over work. Billy Crystal is his foil, his comic sidekick, and has a manic style that works well when played off Goodman's more laid back style and delivery. James Coburn and Steve Buscemi help round the cast and the merry mayhem.

Pixar gave us Toy Story along with this one, and I can only wish that they had given us Final Fantasy as well. There is a human character in Monsters, Inc., and she comes across more real in her animated form than the recreated actors used in Fantasy. Pixar captured the nuances that occur in the face as it ranges through the emotions, and it comes across other screen, whether human or monster. Even down to the hair movement on the monsters' back does this one come across as real.

I must mention the chase scene, monsters who swing from door to door on a giant conveyor belt. It's funny and exciting, and it ranks among the best chase scenes I've ever seen. It's worth the price of admission alone.

This one was highly anticipated and it was worth the wait. If you feel funny about seeing an animated feature of this type without a child, borrow one and go see it. I promise you the child will love it as much as will you. I give it 5 beakers.

Monsters, Inc

Five Beakers
(out of five)

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