Review of Monsters, Inc. (2001) by Harry W — 25 Aug 2013

Monsters Inc. is one of Walt Disney's finest and most notable works for one thoroughly great reason: it handles the theme of monsters in such a bright and cleverly colourful way that it turns the tears of fear into tears of laughter.

Monsters Inc. manages this through its crafting of many colourful characters. The hilarious Micharl "Mike" Wazowski whose rich with arrogance and hilarity to him teamed up with the loveable James P. "Sulley" Sullivan whose intimidating physicality makes him a perfect monster which becomes matched with a sweet and friendly nature, making him an iconic character. And with rich voice acting from Billy Crystal and John Goodman respectively, you really can't go wrong.

The one primary villainous monster Randall Boggs isn't scary but squirmy, and his voice acting development by Steve Buscemi is great for the benefit of his development in terms of descending to evil.

James Coburn also did a great job as Henry J. Waternoose, and John Ratzenburger gave the iconic touch of his cameo into Monsters Inc. which proved beneficial for comedic appeal.

Monsters Inc. also manages this through a classic story which shifts the context of monsters scaring little kids into a situation where it's necessary for them to keep their society alive, and that works as a fun comedic adventure as well as a statement about the changes occurring in society and harsh corrupt behaviour many big name executives have resorted to as a means of keeping their industries and credibility alive, or merely to keep money in their pockets. It's more sympathetic in Monsters Inc. as the motivation is due to the former, rather than the latter, yet still it succeeds as having complex dynamics amidst a fun colourful story about monsters working. The writers of Monsters Inc. truly poured a lot of thought into the writing of the script and story, and it gives the story the zany fun needed.

And of course the visual effects crew give Monsters Inc. incredible animation to the film, with depth gone into the skin of every character and the background of every scene. It keeps it at a level where the monsters are strongly convincing without being scary, and the animation reaches some of Disney Pixar's best, establishing a colourful fun atmosphere with a touching story.

Lastly, Randy Newman's touch of music is the cherry on top of the sundae with his terrific Academy Award winning song "If I Didn't Have You" playing at the film's close and re-establishing the sweet friendship theme from Monsters Inc., leaving a smile on the viewer's face even though the viewing experience has come to a close.

Monsters Inc. was truly one of my favourite films growing up, and its still one of the best kids movies I've ever seen.