Synopsis:

Monstropolis is experiencing a power crisis. The screams of children, needed to fuel the city, have been harder and harder to come by and it is up to leading scream harvester James P. Sullivan ("Sully") and his one-eyed parnter Mike Wazowski to help Monsters, Inc. continue to provide power to the community. But as scared as some kids are of the monsters who come through their closet doors to collect their bounty, monsters need to fear the children, who are thought to be toxic. If one were to ever make their way through the portal into Monstropolis, havoc will ensure. And sure enough, a little girl named Boo makes it through and it is up to Sully and Mike to ensure her safe return to her bedroom. A lot about work, life and love is learned through this "disaster" and neither our world nor the world of the monsters will ever be the same.

Review:

Movie reviews are often filled with so much hyperbole that you can never tell if the movie was actually good or not. So not to belittle this wonderful film, I will refrain from using terms and phrases like "Wow!" or "A Must-See Film!" or even "One of the Best Films of the Year!" Because quite frankly, all of these sentiments and more cannot express the quality of Monsters, Inc. and the enjoyment I had watching it.

Monsters, Inc. works on so many levels, whether intentional or not. It is an outstanding family film, a great animated movie, a wonderful story filled with a positive message. It is humorous without being over the top, touching without being overly sentimental. Monsters is a feel-good movie that is very needed right now.

Going in, I wasn't expecting too much. The previews didn't grab me. I was nervous that the voices weren't going to work for me. And the film had a legacy to greatness to live up to with the successful releases of two Toy Story films and a bug's life. However, not only was this a great visual treat, I found the story to be original and touching. The vocal performances were actually perfect. Monsters, Inc. is a film that I feel good recommending and will probably see again. It's that good.

I am very much impressed how the technical and artistic come together in Monsters, Inc. Quite impressive was the way that Sully's fur moves throughout the film, responding to wind, snow and movement. The way light is utilized creates a truly three-dimensional feel, intensifying the "scare" factor but also providing warmth and feeling. This is a beautifully made movie, animated or otherwise.

There really is so much that was good in Monsters, Inc. that it is tough to highlight the best. John Goodman was excellent as James P. Sullivan, the head scream gatherer. Boo, voiced to perfection by Mary Gibbs, was adorable and easily stole the show. The action was engaging and the ending simple yet perfect.

After watching Monsters, Inc., I am convinced that Pixar Animation Studios is the animation studios of the new millenium. If Toy Story was Pixar's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, then Monsters, Inc. may well be the company's Dumbo. Monsters, Inc. is filled with a lot of heart. It will become a timeless classic for future generations to enjoy as much as you'll enjoy it in theaters today. Go plunk down your $8.50 and enjoy the time you'll spend in watching the film lost in another world.

P.S. You'll also get to enjoy the new Star Wars teaser trailer and a very cute Pixar short cartoon called For the Birds. Go see Monsters, Inc., you won't be sorry.

Parents' Guide:

• Rated G
• The appearance of monsters in closets or under the bed may prove scary and intense for those who still believe in them

Overall Rating:

10 out of 10