REVIEW: Monsters Inc.

For this Throwback Thursday, I decided to go back into the Pixar archives and take another look at the delightfully funny, Monsters, Inc.  Also, the timing of this review seems appropriate considering the fact that Monsters University, the prequel to Monsters, Inc., is released to general audiences tomorrow.  So now, let's turn back the clock and return to the safeness of our childhoods as we take a look at Pixar's Monsters, Inc., directed by Pete Docter and David Silverman.

Monsters, Inc. follows the lives of Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. "Sully" Sullivan (John Goodman) as they work at the industrial plant, Monsters Incorporated, which produces the power used in the monster world.  Sully is the top-scarer, meaning that he has extracted the most energy from children's screams.  Despite getting their energy from children, monsters are terrified of them, so when one enters their world, everything is turned upside down.  Mike realizes the danger the human child Boo (Mary Gibbs) presents to both himself and Sully, but Sully becomes attached to the child, leading to a comedic adventure of friendship and loyalty.

Monsters, Inc. is a piece of Pixar gold.  It's funny, thrilling, suspenseful, and heartwarming.  And like many other Pixar films, while it may be geared towards children, it can be enjoyed by people of any age.  Even if you don't enjoy the story, you have to give Pixar credit for the gorgeous animations.  From Sully's individual blue and purple hairs to Mike's smooth, shiny texture, the world of Monsters, Inc. feels lush and alive.  While animations have improved since the film's debut in 2001, it still stands as a testament of good graphics and it was top-notch during its day.

The voice actors in this movie also add life to this animated film.  John Goodman's gruff voice lends itself to the hairy beast, Sully, but is soft and soothing at all the right times.  Almost every time Billy Crystal talks as Mike, people laugh.  He adds comedy to the movie and makes it very lighthearted.  Together, Goodman and Crystal make a truly dynamic duo as Sully and Mike.  However, all the other actors do a fine job as well.  Mary Gibb's voice is just as cute as little Boo and James Coburn's voice is just as scary and intimidating as the eight-legged Henry J. Waternoose. However, Bob Peterson steals the show at certain points as the dreary, miserable manager Roz.  Anyone who has seen the film will, I'm sure, remember Roz's line, "I'm watching you Wazowski.  Always watching.  Always."

Monsters, Inc. is a delightfully fun movie for anyone, whether you be 2 years old or 100 years old.  There is probably something in the movie that will make you smile and laugh.  And chances are your heart will be warmed at the end.  After all, when it comes to heartwarming animated endings, who better to do it than Pixar?  This movie is, without doubt, worth a watch and worth the money to buy it on Blu-Ray or DVD.

RATING: 4.5 / 5

This film is rated G.