What is this strange feeling?

Rating: Null/10 (24 November 2001)

I don't believe I've ever had this feeling walking out of a Disney/Pixar film. Oh, sure, it happens during Disney films, but never when Pixar is involved. I can't quite pinpoint what it is. I guess it could be best described as...disappointment.
Well, it was unfortunately bound to happen someday. The good folks at Pixar have given us a sub-par (by their very, very high standards) film. Oh, sure, the cast was top-notch, especially Billy Crystal and John Goodman as our protagonists Mike and Sully. The story was awfully creative. Seeing those monsters in our closet as real, working people was a great idea. What went wrong? It felt like the movie was lacking something, that the old charm from the "Toy Story" movies was gone. Many of the jokes, especially in the first part of the film, fell flat. It felt as if they weren't even trying, or else that they were trying too hard. Much of the first half of the film was spent looking at the screen in bewildered silence.
However, there were also some pleasant surprises to be found. Ever since I saw young Boo in the advertisements for this film, I was sure she was going to be one of those characters who was so cute that she made you want to gag. As it turned out, despite one or two sickening moments, she wasn't too bad. The scenes between her and Sully were filled with very well-played emotion, making the audience feel warm and fuzzy instead of nauseous. Also, normally the endings to these movies are pretty weak. Although it was weaker than that of, say, "Toy Story 2", it was much better than what I expected, filled with both funny and touching moments.
So, if you decide to see "Monsters, Inc." be forewarned of this: You too may have a slightly hollow feeling inside upon walking out of this film, and you too may ask yourself, "What's wrong with this picture?"