Flickering Myth’s writing team count down to the UK release of Monsters University by picking their favourite Pixar Movies; last up is Scott Davis with Monsters, Inc….
I’m not afraid to admit this, but in 2002 or 2003, when I would have been in my early 20s, my Nan and Granddad gave me a Sulley teddy for Christmas. No PlayStation, guitar or even camera for this cool dude. No, it was a Sulley ted that caught their eye when out shopping for gifts for me that year, and god love them what a choice it was. Sullye has stayed with me through the highs and lows of the last decade, and even as I write this, he is still next to me.
These days, while still vibrant and smiley, he is a little hunched over as only an old teddy could be, but he is still my best pal. And, as you may have guessed, it’s Monsters, Inc., Pixar’s fourth feature, that ranks as my favourite of their long list of great films.
Back in 2001, Pixar was on a huge upward curve. Toy Story, it’s superb sequel and A Bug’s Life had all impressed the movie masses and firmly announced Pixar as the juggernauts of CGI animation. Such was the success of those films that it wasn’t long before they set about tackling their next big adventure, this time looking deeper into the toy cupboard and under the bed, and bringing the old “boogeyman” tale to life. With crazy monsters – some with one eye, some with purple and turquoise hair, and some who just wanted paperwork on time.
From the jazzy tunes of its opening theme full of colourful and inventive credits, you already know what to expect from Monsters Inc. Fun, laughter, sadness and sentiment without ever feeling convoluted or schmaltzy, it is everything a Pixar staple should be. That opening theme is arguably one the finest things that Pixar has ever done, and who knew that a film about scary monsters would open to such a jaunty, upbeat tune?
For all the artistry and storytelling brilliance that Pixar put into the Toy Stories, Wall-Es and Ups, it was this wickedly funny and heartfelt tale that had the biggest impression at the time (though Toy Story 3 pushes it so very close) as my favourite Pixar film. It’s vibrant colours, its sense of humour, its warmth and its intelligence is a lesson for all in how to combine such elements into a nourishing whole. Who hasn’t welled up at the final seconds of the film as Sulley gets to re-open the door back to Boo’s bedroom and is greeted with one more “Kitty” greeting? All this from a film whose characters we should despise as they are terrorising children the world over.
But what ultimately tips the film over all the others is in John Goodman and Billy Crystal. As if plucked from a comedy club as an already fully-fledged comedy duo, they arguably give two of their finest performances in Monsters Inc. Goodman’s strong, deep vocals lending a friendly-giant feel to Sulley, while Crystal uses all the comedic brilliance, in both timing and delivery, that made him so enduring in his “live” performances in When Harry Met Sally… or City Slickers. As a duo, the two seasoned veterans are an absolute joy, and similarly to Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, it may be this film that generations remember them for in years to come.
Monsters Inc. is one of those great films that can be watched in any mood, at any time of day, and leave you feeling all warm inside. For me, it is the perfect example of Pixar as a film entity, and although the prequel has some huge boots to fill, if anyone can do it, it’s Pixar.
Scott Davis
Originally published July 12, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
