Due to hit the big screens next week, is Monsters Inc about to take the cinema world by storm? Will it knock Potter and the Rings for six? Well, it certainly gets my vote!
I have just returned from a preview showing of the film and all I can say is WOW! If there is one thing I like about previews it is that you don’t have to sit through boring adverts and trailers before getting to the main action – you go straight there and, so without more ado from me lets hit it!
As anyone who reads my work regularly will tell you, I am a strong believer in the adage that a good review should not spoil the film for those about to go and see it and so if you want to get the story in detail before you go I suggest you go to one of the excellent websites devoted to the film (www.monstersinc.com). What follows will be why you should go and catch this wonderful piece.
******** The Creators ******** Monsters Inc is brought to the big screen by Walt Disney in collaboration with Pixar Productions. In truth, this film would appear to be more of a Pixar creation and more of a Disney sponsorship. Pixar were responsible for bringing us the Toy Story series and A Bugs Life and Monsters Inc is moulded in the same fashion.
******* The Film ******* Computer animation is the name of the game, but
as with the Toy Story series this is no ordinary cartoon. The film would have commenced life in the traditional way, a storyboard sequence that requires a voice over and animation. Where Pixar have taken things a stage further is that they have employed some of the latest computer animation techniques to bring the cartoon to life. Some of the characters will be sculpted by hand and scanned into the computer, others will be modelled directly into the computer. They are then given avtars (or handles) which enables the computer designer to make the characters move. Working on 3D sets the story begins to take shape in much the same way as a live recording. The resultant effect is a cartoon that bridges the void between fantasy and reality.
***** The Story ***** As promised, no spoilers here folks.
The story revolves around four main “monster” characters and one “human” character. The monsters have their own world which is infiltrated by a child… the consequences… you’ll Just have to watch the film!
******* Characterisation ******* The monsters take on such human characteristics that it is impossible at times to remember that you are watching a film and have not been transported into their world. This makes the film highly watchable. The impossible becomes the possible and the unreal the real.
The animation is first class and adds to the believability. If there is a weakness then it is within the characterisation of the child – she has a cartoon quality rather than a real one.
The voiceovers are provided, in true Pixar style, by a number of leading lights in the entertainment world. James Coborn (the Nutty Professor and Sister Act 2) provides the voice of Henry J Waternoose, the head of Monsters Inc. Steve Buscemi (the Big Lebwoski and Big Daddy) gives us the baddies voice ( Randall Bloggs). Billy Crystal, gives his vocal talents to the goodie underdog, Mike with John Goodman (The Emperor’s New Groove) providing the voice for our hero Sully. The good thing about this is that each character is allowed to develop fully without hindrance from either the animation team of the voice over team. Each is as important as the other but the hierarchy of good over evil presides and wins through.
********** A Bit of Amateur Psychology ********** This film could have been just what the US market needed post 11 September. Fortunately it was scheduled for release prior to the atrocities which ripped the nation. Almost like a chicken soup for the masses this film shows that it is not all bad out there and that good will triumph.
It is a film that should challenge the child and possibly help them to overcome their closet fears. It will not leave them with nightmares!
********** So, Who should see it? ********** This film should appeal to all ages. At a child’s level (pre-senior) the film provides wholesome entertainment. The characters are believable and of the sort that children could easily relate to. There is a strong moral base to the story which should be understood by children aged 4-5 and the older kids will be sure to get it.
I would not recommend taking very small children as there were a few screamers in the cinema. The story is basically playing on the scary monster theme and if your child is particularly sensitive then this film is not for them. That having been said, it may be a good film to get out on video when it actually comes out to show them that monsters are not that bad after all!
As an adult the film was very funny and the whole audience was laughing at various points. There is a lot of quick humour that in all probabilities by-passes the kids but keeps the adult audience on their toes. This is mainly humour based on subtlety rather than innuendo, making it all the more suitable as children who do pick up on will not be being fed unsuitable material.
This film will certainly give Shrek a run for its money, and, as it is not a seasonal offering should triumph in the end. It is, however, not blessed with the Disney magic that made Bambi, Snow White and even Pooh (though there is a court case about that one) household names. We will forget Sulley and Mike and even Boo (the little girl). We will, however, leave the cinema with a smile on our faces and a spring in our step. The world is an alright place after all!
********** Anything else for your money? ********** Well, yes. In true Pixar-style, you get a short before the film. This in itself is worth going to the cinema to see. Pixar clearly have some first class humorists who I would dearly love to see more of. This short is again, speech free, but ever so amusing! Don’t miss the start!
And, for that matter, don’t miss the end. Don’t pack up and leave as the credits roll. The Pixar out-takes are back. How cartoon creations can get things wrong is beyond me, but they do and the resultant filming is first class. A passing reference to Toy Story does not go unnoticed. Just get the big chap in front of you to sit down!
10/10 for first class entertainment. 10/10 for a timeless classic but 5/10 for remembrance!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I loved this film, and took advantage of my job to see it three times at the cinema for free! I do think it does kids good to have the living daylights scared out of them, although I think Monsters Inc would only really do this to the stupidly sensitive. My only gripe was all the thick customers coming out to complain when the short started - they thought we were running the wrong film!
mattygroves 10.01.2003 13:27
I STILL haven't seen this, although darling daughter has...perhaps this will be the next DVD acquisition - daughter enjoyed it, you enjoyed it...most people seem to enjoy it - and I love Pixar, and Billy Crystal...so must be worth a looksee...Cheers, Kate
carol_uk 14.11.2002 17:01
wow great op...loads of detail. Yep I loved it too, its great sitting watching it, makes you want to be a kid again :)
The monsters inMonsters, Inc.are just so incredibly cute--and they know it. Whereas Woody, ... more
Buzz and pals in theToy Storysaga were filled with self-doubt about just how much the children in their lives would continue to love them, here our heroic monste...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The monsters inMonsters, Inc.are just so incredibly cute--and they know it. Whereas Woody, ... more
Buzz and pals in theToy Storysaga were filled with self-doubt about just how much the children in their lives would continue to love them, here our heroic monste...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Monsters Inc. is the largest scare factory in the monster world and the top Kid-Scarer is ... more
James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) a huge intimidating monster with blue fur large purple spots and horns known as "Sulley" to his friends. His Scare Assistant...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Everybody likes monsters inc, whether your an oap or a toddler it is suitable for the whole family. This film has alot of funny moments and has hidden jokes in for the older audience. Disadvantages: This film can drag on a little and it is east to predict what is going to happen next.
k8tybaby 21.10.2005 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Monsters, Inc. (DVD)
![Monsters Inc. [2002] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78540564.jpg "Monsters Inc. [2002] [DVD]")
Feb 3rd, 2002
(Feb 5th, 2002)
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