Monsters Inc.

Disney and Pixar’s first animated film since Toy Story 2 transforms the childhood fear of monsters hiding in bedroom closets into a somewhat repetitive but spirited comedy-adventure that includes elements of emotional trauma, sadness, ecological awareness and corporate conspiracy. The scare factory of the title sends its many different-looking monsters into the human world to bottle screams that are used as a power source for their city of Monstropolis. The increase in jaded kids who no longer are afraid of the creatures has resulted in an energy crisis and the taboo entrance of a human toddler girl into this strange, wacky Otherworld results in instant chaos. The computer animation is often impressive, and John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn and Jennifer Tilly provide some of the voices.