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Review by Jack Foley |
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Just when you thought Shrek had stolen the animation crown from Disney, Pixar
- the creators of Toy Story and A Bug's Life - strike back with another monstrous
gem.
Monsters Inc, boasting the vocal talents of Billy Crystal, John Goodman and
Steve Buscemi, is an ingenious, funny, touching and inspired romp that is
guaranteed to appeal to audiences of all ages.
Set in an alternative reality called Monstropolis, where monsters draw on
children's screams for their energy resources, the movie quickly establishes
a terrific double act between Goodman's 'scare-king', Sulley, and Crystal's
wise-cracking assistant, Mike, as they attempt to beat the all-time scream
record with Buscemi's slippery opponent.
But things take a turn for the worse when Buscemi's attempt to cheat allows
a child into Monstropolis and the adorable two-year-old girl, who is considered
to be toxic to all monsters, sets about wreaking mayhem.
The girl, however, quickly becomes attached to Sully's big-hearted monster
and the two establish a relationship that threatens to undermine his friendship
with Mike and his shot at record-breaking glory.
Like Shrek, Monsters Inc challenges the audiences' perceptions of its central
protagonists. Sulley may at first seem scary, as he ruthlessly extracts the
screams of sleeping children by emerging from their cupboards late at night,
but he is, in fact, just doing his job and quickly becomes affected by the
girl's innocent charm, risking all to protect her.
The ensuing 'father/daughter' relationship is very well observed and quite
moving, offering a nice break from the mayhem.
Visually, Monsters Inc is also a delight, packed with colour, all manner of
creatures and some superbly-realised set pieces -with a late chase through
numerous doors one of many awe-inspiring highlights.
Voice-wise, Goodman and Crystal strike the type of partnership which evokes
memories of Morecambe and Wise in their heyday, while the likes of Buscemi,
James Coburn and Jennifer Tilly all make the most of another frothy script.
While not quite as good as Toy Story, this is incredibly good fun from start
to finish, rounded off with another set of brilliant out-takes during the
end credits - and for the eagle-eyed Pixar fans among you, try counting the
Toy Story references; there are several cameo appearances.
