The Monsters Inc. series fans have been craving for.
The original “Monsters Inc.” from 20 years ago, created by Pete Docter, was a Pixar classic with some of the most whimsical characters-particularly Mike and Sulley-and some of the best animation ever produced-particularly Sulley’s pelt. In 2013, we had the prequel “Monsters University,” which didn’t exceed its originality. And now in 2021, Disney+ has released a new animated series entitled “Monsters at Work,” which picks up where the original left off, where the monsters learn that laughter is more powerful than screaming.
So far, we were given a 2-episode premiere, and already, I’m having a fun time. Maybe not as profound as in 2001, because of how the animation is a little less advanced, but still, it offers the joy and levity we enjoyed back then. Even Billy Crystal as Mike, John Goodman as Sulley, Jennifer Tilly as Mike’s sexy girlfriend Celia, Bob Peterson as the head of the Child Detection Agency (CDA) Roz, and Bonnie Hunt as the trainer Ms. Flint are back in their iconic voice roles.
The Monsters Inc. power company is looking for jokesters, instead of scarers, with a new motto: “It’s Laughter We’re After.” This disappoints the MU graduate Tylor Tuskmon (voiced by Ben Feldman), who now must report to MIFT-Monsters Inc Facilities Team-whose staff consists of the spontaneous mechanic Val (voiced by Mindy Kaling), the friendly boss Fritz (voiced by Henry Winkler), the sneaky plumber Duncan (voiced by Lucas Neff), and the crab-like Cutter (voiced by Alanna Ubach).
I really wish Disney Plus didn’t release their shows one episode a week, but then again, that’s how TV was before Netflix was invented. And I have been enjoying “The Mandalorian,” “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Solider,” and “Loki.” “Monsters at Work” has so many possibilities on continuing the story, I’m excited to see what they’re up to next week.
I’m glad they were able to bring back Crystal and Goodman back as Mike and Sulley, as well as Tilly, Peterson, and Hunt; but the new cast members sound like they’re having fun voicing the MIFT. Kudos to Feldman, Kaling, Winkler, Neff, and Ubach for being a part of this. And in a long stream of Disney entries to get direct-to-DVD sequels and shows like “The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea,” “Hercules: The Series,” or “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas,” they lack the innovation and Monsters at Work” ranks behind “Monsters Inc.,” but at least, the voice actors are back.
I’m sorry if this television review is short, but like I said, there are only two episodes released. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next.
Streaming on Disney+
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