Story
Mike (voice of Billy Crystal) and Sully (voice of John Goodman) are the dream team at Monsters Incorporated. They work together to scare as many children as they can so that the children’s screams can be stored and converted into energy for the city of Monstropolis. Sully is about to reach the all-time scaring record. But times are tough for the monsters – children just don’t seem to be as scared anymore, and Monstropolis is facing a power shortage.
One night, Sully discovers that a little girl called Boo (voice of Mary Gibbs) has been let into the monster world. Because monsters believe children are toxic, Sully is frightened and asks Mike about what to do with Boo. Sully and Mike must also avoid the Child Detection Agency (CDA) and the evil Randall (voice of Steve Buscemi) as well as toxic contact with Boo. They battle through all these obstacles to get Boo back safely to her family. Along the way, they discover that laughter is much more powerful than screams, which makes them think again about the way they work.
Themes
Separation from family; children as victims; deceit
Violence
Monsters Inc contains some violence. For example:
Sexual references
This movie includes some sexual references. For example, Mike and Celia have ‘lovey’ nicknames for each other. They also talk about a romantic evening they’ve planned.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
None of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
There’s some sexual activity in this movie, including when Mike kisses Celia a couple of times.
Product placement
Toys from other Pixar movies are shown in this movie.
Coarse language
This movie includes some coarse language and put-downs.
Ideas to discuss with your children
This is an animated comedy with a new look at an old topic. Children have always wondered about monsters in their cupboards. But Monsters Inc shows us that monsters need our laughs rather than our screams to power their city.
Sully and Mike’s views on children are challenged when they meet Boo and try to get her back home. They learn they must fight off the evil Randall and his scary plans. In doing this, they discover better ways to generate power.
The main messages in this movie are about the importance of friendship and being open to new ideas and change.
This movie could give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as energy sources, greed, competition and conspiracy.