Monsters, Inc.
We've come to expect nothing less than perfection from the Disney/Pixar team, and so far they've managed to live up to that lofty standard every time out.In fact, each of the three animated comedies produced by the two studios (the "Toy Story" movies and "A Bug's Life") has far outpaced the works of their competitors — in fact, they even out-do most of the Mouse House's later-period, cel-animated efforts.
Still, we can't expect things to be that way every time, can we?
Happily, "Monsters, Inc." suggests that we can, at least for now. It's a giddy, clever, endearingly sweet and often riotously hilarious comedy that appears to be deceptively simple, both in terms of its aims and its story.
However, as is the case with Pixar's other movies, this one manages to deal with issues that are weightier than you'd expect from what is typically thought of as a superficial genre. (This time around, it's childhood fears, as well as shady corporate policies — and to some small degree, fears about job security.)
The story takes place in a world in which the monsters under the bed and in your closet are real. It turns out they're there to "capture" the screams of children, which are used as a power source in their world.
Despite Sulley's best efforts, their hometown, Monstropolis, is going through an energy crisis. So it's up to Sulley to work twice as hard, as well as meet a challenge from co-worker Randall Boggs (Steve Buscemi), an evil, chameleonlike creature who will do anything to better his "scare" totals.
That includes opening "doors," or passageways into the human world after normal work hours. Unfortunately, while investigating one of Randall's doors, Sulley accidentally lets a human girl into Monstropolis.
What's worse, the girl, whom he's nicknamed Boo (5-year-old newcomer Mary Gibbs), isn't afraid of him or Mikey. And returning the tiny tot to her world is starting to look impossible — especially since they're becoming attached to one another.
This is yet another showcase for Pixar's ever-improving animation technology — witness the scene in which you can see Sulley's fur "ripple." Also, though Boo is still not quite "human" enough to pass for live-action, the animators have come a long way in that regard.
It would be a shame to overlook the very funny script (by one of the writers of "A Bug's Life"), which is filled with verbal and sight gags to tickle both young and old funnybones, including a few nods to earlier Pixar efforts (look very closely in the background).
And it's clear that the voice cast is having a ball, especially Goodman, whose vocal work suits the tender-hearted character. As for Crystal, he may sound like he's aping Woody Allen, but he plays well off Buscemi, who makes a very hissable villain.
Those who usually arrive late to the theater are advised to come early to see "For the Birds," the riotously funny cartoon short (also from the Pixar folks) that precedes the film. It, too, is a treat.
"Monsters, Inc." is rated G for animated violence (mostly slapstick) and some mildly vulgar gags (including a toilet joke). Running time: 92 minutes (82 minutes for the main feature; 10 minutes for the animated short that precedes it).
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com