Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters, Inc. is a charming little movie with unique animation, a wild premise and a lot of heart. It shows us monster life when they’re not scaring children in their bedrooms, although there is some of that as well. Let’s consider the pros and cons of Monsters, Inc….

Pros: The voice acting is superb, especially from John Goodman, Billy Crystal and Steve Buscemi. Their voices fit seamlessly with their monster counterparts, with none so over the top as to pull you out of the movie. The writer/directer, Pete Doctor also deserves his share of the credit for this masterpiece. Not only does he craft this family friendly monster movie, but adds the whimsical twist of monsters being scared of children. This gag gets a lot of mileage throughout the movie, but because of everything else it has to offer, it never feels like a one-trick pony. Lastly, Randy Newman composes a playful score that does an excellent job of setting the tone for the film.

Cons: Although the plot is unique, it is also painfully predictable. You can only expect so much from a G rated family film, but overall it accomplishes what it sets out to do. Even with a foreseeable ending, it still has a satisfying conclusion, so don’t let that deter you too much!

I give Monsters, Inc. a B+. It’s a lighthearted family film that offers excitement, fun visuals and a lot of heart. Your kids will love the zany characters and you will likely come away with a chuckle too. Happy Watching!

“We have a twenty-three nineteen!”