Monsters, Inc (2001)

3.5 out of 4

Starring: voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn, Jennifer Tilly, Mary Gibbs

Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman

Time: 90 mins

Score another one for Pixar. The computer animation studio that produced such megahits as Toy Story, A Bug's Life, and Toy Story 2 has done it again. Their mix of eye-catching visuals, frantic pacing, and humour for both children and adults alike has set a standard for the genre that only the recent Shrek has equalled. Pixar seems to have a knack of finding plots that are simple, yet fun, involving an assortment of endearing characters who inhabit an imaginary world that parallels, and parodies, our own. While their latest, Monsters, Inc, just falls short of the consistently funny Toy Story 2 and the irreverence of Shrek, it is still a very enjoyable, exuberant ride.

Having conquered the world of toys and insects, Pixar sets their sights on the land of monsters, and in particular the monsters that reside in closets. You see, the source of every children's greatest fear is actually real - there are real monsters who make a living scaring young kids. Monstropolis is where they live, and Monsters, Incorporated is the company that provides electricity for the city by harnessing the energy in children's screams. The champion "scarer" is James P "Sulley" Sullivan (John Goodman), a giant bear-like creature whose partnership with his one-eyed buddy Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) has yielded the most scream energy from unsuspecting children. Trouble ensues when Sulley stumbles onto a dastardly plan by the chameleon-like Randall Boggs (Steve Buscemi) to kidnap children, which results in a young girl nicknamed Boo (Mary Gibbs) entering Monstropolis. Children and their belongings are considered dangerous, and Sulley and Mike must get Boo back to her own world before the city's decontamination unit discover her whereabouts.

Pixar excel at taking an imaginary world (or is it?) and making it come to life. This allows them the opportunity to add all sorts of in-jokes and references to objects and events in our (human) world, items that only adults and maybe teenagers would appreciate. It is this element that has made Pixar films a favourite for the past six years. They don't just cater for adults, however. Their stories are wrapped around a touching story and characters you care about, and nowhere is this better encapsulated than in Boo and Sulley's relationship. Boo is a cute toddler whose mannerisms are endearing, and Sulley finds even his usually genial demeanour softening further. Their heartwarming partnership is the core of Monsters, Inc, more so than the amazing visuals and humour.

It's almost a given that the visuals in a computer animated tale these days are excellent. From the pastel palette of the Toy Story world to the bold hues of A Bug's Life and Shrek, each new feature seems to astound with some incredible advancement in technology. Monsters, Inc. joins the roster with the most amazing, life-like fur effects ever seen on Sulley. Watch especially for the scene in which Sulley is lying in the snow - the way his fur moves will make you want to exclaim, "Wow!" That aside, the city of Monstropolis is depicted like any big human city, with generous dollops of colour and amusing puns along the way (for example, a pedestrian sign says, "Don't Stalk"). It seems like there is nothing the Pixar wizards can't do.

The vocal talents are impressive, though perhaps less of a factor than in Shrek or the Toy Stories. Billy Crystal is at his most manic, though he doesn't have as many Crystalisms as usual. I was expecting a few more choice one-liners from him, but the story is engaging enough that Crystal's talents in this regard aren't required. John Goodman adds warmth to the hulking Sulley, which renders his relationship with Boo all the more poignant. Boo herself (voiced by Mary Gibbs) is one of the highlights of the film. Her "toddler" language is perfect, and will make many a parent swoon with delight. Also joining in the fun are Steve Buscemi as the evil Randall, and Jennifer Tilly as Mike Wazowski's potential love interest.

There's a bit of a lull in Monsters, Inc just past the midway point, but it is redeemed by a rollercoaster-like closet door chase that reminds one of the climax in Back To The Future (as well as the luggage bag rescue in Toy Story 2). This is a minor complaint for a film that has so many wonders; indeed, finding something to pick on in a Pixar film is a tough assignment. In any case, Monsters, Inc is a worthy companion to Pixar's previous successes, and heralds an intriguing and exciting start to this year's holiday movie season. Go see it.

(c) Joe Wong (5 November 2001)