2001, 1 hr 26 min., Rated G.�Dir: Peter Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich. Voices of: Billy Crystal (Mike Wazowski), John Goodman ('Sulley'), James Coburn (Henry J. Waternoose), Jennifer Tilly (Celia), Bonnie Hunt (Flint), Mary Gibbs (Boo), Steve Buscemi (Randall), Bob Peterson (Roz), John Ratzenberger (Yeti).

I was never really afraid of monsters as a kid (my parents are probably chuckling right now if that's false), although one of my earliest memories is of a nightmare involving some sort of unflattering creature. So I can't say that this movie would affect me in the same way as a kid who sees the boogeyman in the closet (Why do some spell it "bogeyman"? We're talking about monsters, not bad golfers).

What I can say is that Pixar's newest animated release is exactly what you'd expect: A cute and cuddly funfest, with plenty of lovable characters and hilarious hijinks.

Although, this work is probably more for the kids this time. While adults will find many instances comedic, others seem so sweet I thought I'd get a toothache. Even still, I could feel chills welling up at the end, and came darn close to having to suppress a tear.

So, I understand that it will directly appeal to the kids in the audience, which is just as well because I want to be able to take my kids - when I have any - to this type of film when they're old enough to understand, and walk away with no fear of monsters in the closet or under the bed.

PLOT: Monsters aren't evil, just doing their job. Monstropolis needs the screams of children to power their world, but are afraid of kids, thinking they're toxic. A 'scream shortage' is taking place due to kids not being frightened easily anymore. A little girl, however, "crosses the door" and helps change the arrangement.

Voices include John Goodman as Sully, a blue hairball on his way to the scare record. He's a hero of the monsters for his work, and I loved that the Scarers are the big names of society, marching onto the Scare Floor like "The Right Stuff".

Billy Crystal supplies the voice of Mike, a green one-eyed marble who spazzes at any given moment. The animators did a great job with him, because even with one eye they manage to give him a terrific range of emotions.

The little girl, Boo, was so impossibly cute that you couldn't help but smile constantly. And, of course, the bad guy/monster, Randall, is a chameleon lizard who oozes smarminess.

The verdict: Even if you're old and crabby (or young and crabby, or young and happy or old and happy...), you'll still feel a tug in your heart and a tickle down your funny bone when you see Monsters, Inc..

The verdict:

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