Monsters, Inc.

Monsters, Inc.: Film, 2001  Studio: Disney/Pixar Director: Pete Docter

Run time: 92 minutes.

Plot: Monsters, Inc. is a power generating company that exists in a city known as Monstropolis, where no humans dwell.  The power is generated through the screams of children that the monsters scare... it’s their job.  The main monster characters are Sulley and his best friend and co-worker, Mike Wazowski. It is business as usual until one day a 2 year old human girl named Boo, is discovered to have been inadvertently brought into Monstropolis by Sulley after a long night’s work.  Chaos ensues as the human detection alarm is sounded (human children are believed to carry dreaded diseases that are fatal to monsters) and Sulley and Mike secretly attempt to return Boo through her door without being discovered by the other monsters and especially not by the CEO of Monsters, Inc., Mr. Waternoose.  Will Sulley and Mike save Monstropolis?  What happens to Boo?  Is there and alternative energy source for Monsters, Inc.?  Watch the DVD and find out.

Review/Personal thoughts:  This is another great animated film.  The monsters themselves are non-threatening physically and quite lovable characters. The relationship that develops between Sulley and Boo is endearing. Sulley and Mike are clearly the “good” monsters and Randall and Mr. Waternoose are clearly the “evil” monsters.  The animation is fantastic and the music is entertaining. Most tweens will surely enjoy this film.  Sulley is “friendly”, learns to “be himself” and  “follows his heart”. The classic themes of good vs. evil, fear, loyalty, and courage are additional messages for tweens to contemplate. I recommend this film without hesitation.

Rated: G

Interest Level: Ages 5 and up

Awards:  Academy Awards, Oscar, Best Music, Original Song, 2002

Nominated: Academy Awards, Oscar, Best Animated Feature, 2002