#241 - Monsters, Inc.

Breakdown: Monsters, Inc. (2001). Written and directed by Pete Docter. Voiced by John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Steve Buscemi.

Synopsis: Monsters generate their city's power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted.

Review: At some point as a child, you probably heard your parents say, "Now Gary, don't be afraid. They are probably more afraid of you than you are of them." There's also a good chance you never believed them. Well, score one for the 'rents, because this is actually the case in Monsters, Inc. This film puts you in "eye" of the monster (pun intended), and with the familiar voices of John Goodman and Billy Crystal, Monsters, Inc. is a fun and enjoyable watch for all ages.

Favorite Quote:
Yeti: Abominable. Can you believe that? Do I look abominable to you? Why can't they call me the Adorable Snowman, or the Agreeable Snowman, for crying out loud? I'm a nice guy.

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#249 - Hauru no ugoku shiro (Howl's Moving Castle)

Breakdown: Howl's Moving Castle (2004, Japan). Novel written by Diana Wynne Jones. Screenplay written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. English version voiced by Christian Bale, Jean Simmons, Billy Crystal, Lauren Bacall, Emily Mortimer, John Hutcherson.

Synopsis: When a shy young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent wizard and his companions in his legged, walking home.

Review: Walking castles? Check. Labyrinth-era David Bowie-esque flying wizards? Check. Evil spirits with barbershop quartet hats? Check. On a weirdness scale, this movie makes Alice in Wonderland look like Wheel of Fortune, but its respectable story line and surprisingly good visuals save it from complete obscurity.

Favorite Quote: "They say that the best blaze burns brightest when circumstances are at their worst."

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