Without a doubt, if you were to ask what my favourite animated movie was, I would immediately respond with Disney Pixar’s “Monsters Inc.”. I think when I was younger it was for reasons like it being released when I was a kid, how funny it was etc etc. But now as a fully fledged media student/ annoying movie analyst I wanted to talk about why each time I watch it, I find new things to feel utterly impressed by, why it has remained one of my favourites even today.

So without further ado (spoilers warning) this is why I love Monsters Inc. so damn much!

1. It looks great. From the get go if you turn off the sound when watching the film you are presented with an explosion of colour, but with thoughtful intention. The factory itself is brightened by the monsters working in it, yet the walls are a darker blue as ultimately it is there to power the city through screams. Mike and Sulley are animated beautifully; from Mike’s green skin to Sulley’s soft bluey purple fur. You instantly get the idea that this is made for children, but that doesn’t take away how refreshing it is for adults watching this film. Something I love is the thought and effort put into creating the monsters as there are so many. Pixar are the best of the best, but it’s still impressive.

We are informed  very subtly that characters like Mr Waternoose and Randall aren’t to be liked. Waternoose is a blue ish grey, crab like monster who scuttles around the factory and basically, much like the creepy looking Randall doesn’t pass the cuddle test for the audience. From the hundreds of doors to the around the world montage used to show the search for Boo’s Door, the animators have thought about every visual in the film. And it pays off.

 2. The script is well written. If you describe the story to someone who has never seen it, even if they hated the premise it cannot be argued that the film isn’t original. It takes an idea we know so well (monsters hiding in our closets) and flips it on its head opening our hearts and minds in the process. The characters are unique and well rounded, the story has multiple plots going on- Mike and Sulley trying to bring Boo home, Randall wanting to find her and expose the boys, Mike and Celia, Mr Waternoose’s evil plans and Roz’s real identity in the factory.

Yet all of the storylines weave together so well and are resolved by end of the film. Another aspect is the dialogue; It’s surprisingly mature in parts and well written yet with sweeter elements of humour embedded. From Boo’s interactions with Sully, to Mike’s ecstatic reaction to being on a magazine cover. Regardless of how old you are, you get something out of Monsters Inc, even if it’s just a laugh.

The cast were perfect. John Goodman’s voice was low and big much like his character physically, but it was also warm and rich making you feel Sully’s softness in the film. Billy Crystal’s voice was hysterical and emotive yet sharp and precise, nailing all the one liner’s given to him and showed composure during the more relaxed scenes. The two voices together were a match made in heaven, supported by a strong ensemble of voices (special mentions to Roz and the little girl who voiced Boo).

This is something that honestly makes a big difference to an animation because after you have taken in the visuals and the story, you pay attention to the voices and sometimes you find that they can all mesh into one another and it doesn’t sound all that interesting. In terms of this film, I never felt like there was any trace of that.

4. It teaches you things. Perhaps the best thing that Pixar does in every film is teach us some important lessons. Through their horrified reactions to Boo appearing in their world to Mike and Sully’s realisation that she is not dangerous and their journey caring for her and trying to bring her home, we learn that we must give other people a chance even if we do not understand them. Also that not everyone is as scary as we make them out to be. Other things we learn are to listen to your heart as Sully has to do throughout the film when he realises that Boo isn’t going to hurt them, but there are people who will and that he must protect her because it’s the right thing to do. Most of all, we learn that laughter is powerful and can help even in the darkest of moments.

So there you go. It’s funny, its beautiful to look at and it hits you right in the childhood (a recipe for success).

What’s your favourite animated movie?

xxx