Monsters, Inc.
2001, Pixar
One of Pixar's earlier efforts, Monsters created something of a benchmark for the studio, a bar they would attempt to clear (and subsequently raise) with each new release. And the bar was set mighty high with this one. Appealing to audiences of any age is a tall order, yet the characters will engage young and old alike; they're goofy and funny-looking enough for tykes, yet emotionally complex and fully-formed enough for their parents. And the closing scene will tug at anybody's heartstrings.
DKS 12/17/17
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
Monsters University
2013, Pixar/Walt Disney
This prequel-sequel spins a tale of how Mike and Sully became close friends in a setting all too familiar to college graduates such as myself. Although well-animated and voiced, unfortunately it relies a bit too much on campus-related humor; consequently, at times for me it comes off as unnecessarily ignorant or mean-spirited. For a taste of how it might have been worse, see what got cut out of the film: Party Central.
DKS 12/17/17
Rev 4/6/22
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
