Those zany guys at Pixar are at again with the sporadically entertaining Monsters Inc..And while I wouldn't put there latest in the same league as A Bug's Life and the Toy Story films, it is a marvel to look at. If only the story were as consistent as the CGI visuals.

The title of the film refers to a corporation that employs monsters that are sent to scare the living daylights out of children while they sleep. James P. Sullivan (voiced by John Goodman) is a big hairy beast but he's really a softy at heart. His best buddy and partner Mike Wzowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) is a strange, one eyed creature with a talent for being a smart alec. Together, the two monsters lead the corporation in scares to the dismay of their nemesis, a chameleon like creepster (voiced by Steve Buscemi) who has a couple of plans up his sleeve. A large portion of the story revolves around a youngster nicknamed Boo (voiced by Mary Gibbs) who wanders over into the monsters' domain. It is then we realize that the creatures are more terrified of us then we are of them.

The more adult oriented humor of the last few Pixar productions is sorely lacking. This is definitely a film for the kids, and while there are some moments that will surely keep the adults entertained, I found the mid section of the film to be very tedious. The movie doesn't truly come alive until the fast paced final act.

Goodman is a lot of fun here as the monster with the heart of gold. Watching him serve as a sort of parental figure to Boo is quite charming. The rest of the cast seems to be having a fun time as well.

What's most peculiar to me about Monsters Inc. is that Boo (the only human in the picture) is far more entertaining and vibrant then the monsters themselves. Her mannerisms are perfectly in sync with that of a real child.

It should also be noted that there are some moments in Monsters Inc. that really seemed to scare the hell out of the kids in the audience. At one point in the picture, Sullivan roars at the camera with an incredible, devilish glee. I swear, the little boy behind me whimpered the rest of the way.

Monsters Inc. isn't a bad movie but I would call it a disappointment when stacked up against other CGI films as of late. Most notably Shrek, which, hands down, is the best animated feature of the year. Although John Lasseter is involved on the production he didn't direct and his on hand approach is missed. Toy Story wasn't only a visual marvel, it had an equally creative storyline. While Monsters Inc. has shades of wit, it wasn't quite enough to sink your fangs into.