Rating: 
Summary: Get it for the Scares, Keep it for the Laughs
Review: Disney/Pixar has created a homerun with their latest animated film. They turn the world of monsters on its head, with hilarious results.Monsters James P. Sullivan, "Sulley" (John Goodman) and Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) work for Monsters, Inc. - a company that collects children's screams and turns them into electricity. All is well until a child makes it through the closet door into the monster world. Then it's up to Sulley and Wazowski to try to get her back, and save her from the evil plans of Randall, the lizard. The wise-cracks are almost constant in the film, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. Parents do not need to worry about the monsters in the film. They are, almost entirely, humorous and non-threatening. There is little to be frightened by. However, I would caution parents that the characters frequently use the words: "stupid", "idiot", and "shut up". The collector's edition 2-disc DVD contains a plethora of never-before seen footage on a separate 207-minute bonus CD. It includes the animated shorts of "Mike's New Car," and "For the Birds", the filmmaker's audio commentary, a sneak peak at Disney/Pixar's summer 2003 film, "Finding Nemo," the Outtakes from Monster's Inc. and much, much more. The amount of material on the bonus CD is unimaginable. It includes a tour of Pixar's animation studies, never-before-seen deleted scenes, a 3D location flyaround, hundreds of images from the Monstropolis Art Gallery, animation gags and a guide to "in" jokes from the film, an interactive game, and material about being an employee at Monsters, Inc. If you're debating between the video and the DVD, definitely purchase the DVD. The picture and sound quality is superb, and the additional footage is worth the price.
Rating:
Summary: Special Collector's Edition DVD Is Full Of Fun
Review: Kids have always loved monsters, and both kids and grown ups will likely love MONSTERS, INC., a surprisingly witty fantasy that finds the citizens of Monster World popping through closet doors to collect screams--screams that are converted into the power that makes everything from cars to televisions sets run in Monster World. And Sully (voiced by John Goodman) is the top scream-gatherer at the factory... until he accidentally allows a human child to wander into Monster World and runs afoul of a jealous co-worker's plot to unseat him from the top spot. The humor is surprisingly sly, and there's plenty for all generations to enjoy. Although TOY STORY was impressive, Pixar's computer animations have come a long way since then, and MONSTERS, INC. is memorable for both design and visual depth. And the Special Collector's DVD has a large package of bonus material that will appeal to any one interested in how the film was created. But there's also plenty on the "pure entertainment" side. The bonus material DVD includes the extremely memorable and hilariously funny animated short "For the Birds," a very enjoyable animated short "Mike's New Car" (featuring characters from MONSTERS, INC.), and a tour of the scream factory from a new employee's point of view. There are also some games that will appeal to the youngest viewers as well--in fact, the bonus material has so much to explore that it will keep both youngsters and young at heart busy for quite a long time. But the actual movie is the important thing--and it looks and sounds absolutely great on this DVD, which gives you the option of seeing it widescreen or full screen and hearing it in surround sound. It's all beautifully done, and fans of animated film--and especially of computer animated films--will find this well worth the bucks. Recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Obnoxious good fun!
Review: Every so often, a film comes along that is simply too cute for its own good. Such is the case of MONSTERS, INC. The dramatic premise of the movie centers around the following dilemma: what to do when your ace scary monster finds a kid too adorable to play Mr. bad guy? Oh, my, Nietzsche would have been thrilled with this one... The animation in this flick is spectacular. Some of the sequences are sort of a cross between THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS and DR. WHO. Featuring the vocal talents of John Goodman, Billy Crystal and Steve Buscemi, this is a rip-roaring hilarious good time for the whole family. Kids will love it. Adults are sure to love it more!
Rating:
Summary: Scaredy cats beware.
Review: This Movie(?) will knock your socks off and off any small person watching it. Every thing about it is terrific, and will need to be seen at least a dozen times to catch all the "one-liners" that are heard. Watch it, then buy it so's you can watch it again, and again, and again........ You get the picture.
Rating:
Summary: Charming romp
Review: Ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties. Or, perhaps just the last of the three. For anyone who has heard bumps in the night, "Monsters Inc" will be an entertaining animated romp, by the talented people who made "Bug's Life" and "Toy Story." With cute animation and a fast-paced, humorous storyline, it's a treat for young and old. The monster metropolis of Monstropolis is powered by the screams of frightened children, which are gathered every night by specially-trained Scarers that pop out of closets. Despite the power shortage, the most revered Scarer is James P. "Sully" Sullivan (who resembles The Beast with a bad blue dye job), accompanied by his talkative pal Mike Wazowski (who resembles a giant green grape with one big eyeball, and who sounds remarkably like Armin Shimerman). Sully works at Monsters Inc. power plant, and is close to breaking the all-time scare record -- if he can beat the poisonous lizard Scarer Randall (who resembles a carnivorous chameleon). But one night, Sully finds a door to a child's room left activated -- and inadvertently lets a little toddler (whom he calls "Boo") into the monster world. She sets off a panic, as children are considered to be toxic and dangerous. Mike and Sulley find themselves in a race to return Boo back to her own world -- but find out about a dangerous plot more insidious than any ordinary monster suspects. It's a cute "what if" concept -- what if monsters weren't frightening? What if scaring kids were their job? What if closets were really portals to another world? Fortunately the concept never runs away from the moviemakers; by treating it normally, they keep it from seeming stupid or overworked. The portrayal of monsters as ordinary guys going to work every day in a city full of monsters -- all shapes. sizes, textures and levels of furriness -- is well-done and never banged into the viewer's head. And the monsters themselves are hilariously done -- a jelly-like monster who slips through a grate. The fuzzy-faced Adorable Snowman. The undulating serpentine motions of Randall. A sluglike janitor who mops the floor while leaving a trail of slime behind him. Monster kids jumping rope with the very long tongue of their playmate. The characters are delightful. Sully (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal) are well suited to their roles: The big quiet guy and the little self-absorbed sidekick, who has a heart of gold beneath his grating voice. Randall (Steve Buscemi) is deliciously, delightfully bad -- there's no misunderstanding, he's just nasty. "Boo" (Mary Gibbs) is remarkably well-done, very similar in motions and baby-talk to a real toddler (parents will wince when she begins to cry). Mr. Waternoose (James Coburn) is a multilayered character, with realistic motives. And Celia (Jennifer Tilly) is Mike's bewildered Medusa-haired girlfriend, who comes through in a pinch. It's not perfect -- there's a draggy section in the middle; the plot lags between the two encounters with the Scream Extractor, and picks up after that. And the movie wouldn't be worth it if the special effects were all there were. The storyline is simple but not simplistic, quick-paced and full of extremely funny dialogue ("I'm so romantic, I could marry myself!") as well as physical comedy (mostly provided by Mike). The technical aspects and additions are just as good. Not only does the film allow you to see it in either widescreen or fullscreen, but it also allows viewers to hear the commentary from the filmmakers as the film progresses. And, in the manner of the new "Lord of the Rings" movie," there is an second disc of extra stuff. It's too extensive and complex to fully summarize, but there is a lot to see. Younger kids might not be interested in most of it, but older kids and adults will definitely like it. There's a lighthearted tour of Pixar and the people who work there; interviews with the talented cast; explanations about basic computer graphics, storyboards, and evolving storylines. It's fascinating to hear how complex things like Sully's fur and Boo's T-shirt were made to look as real as possible, how Monstropolis was designed, and the earlier incarnations of the various characters (such as how originally Sully had tentacles instead of legs). There is a cute music video, a "Boo's Door Game," monster biographies, and much more. But the best of the extras are the animation shorts. There is one specially created for this movie: "Mike's New Car," in which Mike shows off his wonderful new car to Sully -- except the car causes a lot more trouble than they expected. Oscar Award-winning "For the Birds," a short unrelated to the movie, is also included. It's a cute, funny little film about twittery egg-shaped little birds sitting on a power line, and the dorky heron that intrudes on them. And, most hilariously, there is a section of "Monsters Inc." bloopers (including a cameo by a "Toy Story" star), ending with the musical play "Put That Thing Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me," performed by Mike and the other monsters. It's a fun animated romp -- kids can enjoy the whimsical plot, and parents can chuckle over the use of "Working Joe" workplace. Well-animated, well-written, funny and cute and packed with informative and funny extras. Definitely worth the price, and worthy of being seen again and again.
Rating:
Summary: great movie
Review: i loved this movie! the animated shorts were excellent as well
Rating:
Summary: Pixar has done it again!
Review: Admittedly, I am a fan of Pixar's work. Their artists have done some incredible animated features over the years. Between the "Toy Story" movies and "A Bug's Life," they have managed in a short time to build an impressive track record. Their shorts are also among the best ever produced. So my expectations going into this movie were very high. The story concerns the monsters in your closet. The theory being that their world runs of the energy produced by children's screams. Sulley (John Goodman) is number one at getting screams. His main rival (Steve Buschemi) will do anything to gain the top spot. Oh, and they consider the touch of a human child to be toxic. While not as instantly relatable as "Toy Story," the movie builds on the talents of Goodman and Billy Crystal (Mike) to bring you into this make-believe world as Sulley and Mike try to get little Boo back through the closet door to the safety of her bedroom. Disney/Pixar has presented this well on DVD. Both Widescreen and Pan & Scan versions are available on the first disc. The second disc has games, outtakes, an award winning animated short, and a fun (easy to find) Easter Egg. All in all, if you enjoy Pixar's work, or animated features in general, this is a must have for your collection.
Rating:
Summary: A delightful Movie...Grown-Ups - Don¿t Miss This One!
Review: Monster's Inc is the factory that supplies all the energy for Monstropolis, a city that humans never heard of and cannot see. The energy is derived from the screams of children who are tormented during the night by monsters who work for the company. The monsters enter through a fabricated bedroom (closet)door, scare the child, and the child's screams are bottled up and saved as an energy source. Immoral but ingenious! John Goodman is the voice of James Sullivan (Sulley), the best "scarer" of the lot, revered by his fellow associates. His sidekick Mike (Billy Crystal) is a one-eyed "lover boy" and jokester. Randall is a nemesis who desperately wants to unseat Sulley as the number one scarer and devises a plot to cheat his way to the top. The plot backfires when Sulley accidentally discovers Randall's plan and ends up bringing an adorable little child into the Monster-World unexpectedly. That's when the real fun starts and it doesn't let up until the closing credits roll across the screen at the end. The Collector's Edition 2-Disc DVD has several enteratining bonus features: Mike's New Car (animated short), For The Birds (Academy Award winning animated short), A preview of Disney/Pixar's "Finding Nemo" (slated for Summer 2003 release), and outtakes and bloopers from Monster's Inc. There are also 2 additional interactive features: Monster World lets you go through first day training as an employee at the Monster's Inc factory (and also includes a history of the Monster's Inc world and a few games). The Human World takes you behind the scenes at the Pixar animation studios and also gives us a peek at deleted scenes. Overall, this is a spectacular collection of entertainment from Disney/Pixar which is destined to become an all-time classic.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This is one of the best DVD's I've gotten to date. The movie itself is wonderful and includes the voice talents of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, John Ratzenberger, Jennifer Tilly, and James Coburn. As you probably already know the storyline, I'll just talk about DVD. You get 2 discs- one contains the movie itself (with the "full screen" or "widescreen" versions, as well as a director's commentary option)and the second disc is chock full of goodies! You get "For the Birds" the 2001 Academy Award winner for Best Animated Short Film (shown in theaters before the movie), and "Mike's New Car" (exclusively created for the video and DVD release, as well as an exclusive sneak peek of "Finding Nemo", the newest upcoming release from Disney starring Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, and Willem Dafoe. Plus, if you choose the "Human Door" option, you get a tour of the Pixar animation studios by the makers of the film. They'll show you deleted scenes, 3-D location flyarounds, and animation gags and "inside" jokes. The "Monster World" door is where the real fun starts- train for your first day at Monster's Inc.; see the employee handbook, and play the "Boo's Door Game", which works like a CD rom-type game. Use your remote control to go through doors and find pieces of Boo's door that come together like a puzzle. The kids and I had tons of fun playing this together. Even our 4-month old son laughed heartily while rocking in his swing. Definitely a DVD for familes to own- worth every penny for the amount of material you get. Buy it, buy it, buy it now!
Rating:
Summary: Classic!
Review: I saw this movie on a plane and it was simply the best computer generated movie I have ever seen. I highly recommend this movie to anybody so you should definately see it.
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