Entertainment : In Depth: Monsters University

There's a decency and lightness of spirit to "Monsters University" which, in a time of tediously "dark" and "gritty" entertainment, is as bracing as a cannonball-dive into a pool on a hot summer's day. ~ Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com

I love that quote, because there’s nothing better than a cannonball-dive into a pool on a hot summer’s day – except catching a summer blockbuster animated 3D family comedy adventure at the Palace for only $4!

“Monsters University” opens Friday, July 19 through Thursday, July 25 at 7 pm every night, with added matinees on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 19-21 at 4 pmand Monday, July 22 at 2 pm.

This movie is RATED G! And that never happens. Hollywood is producing so few family movies these days. We hope you and yours will take advantage of this limited opportunity. Don’t forget to bring Grandma and Grandpa!

Even if you’re not a fan of 3D, and I get that, it’s not my favorite either, I’m telling you, there is nothing better than the first few frames of a G-rated 3D movie in a theatre packed with kids! After hearing that uncontained delight, I can’t stop smiling, even during the cleanup after the show!

Which reminds me – it doesn’t take a full-grown monster to scare even the toughest Palace staffer. Seeing the auditorium after a children’s movie – EEK! Parents, our staff members would stop shaking in their shoes, hiding behind the concession stand, and be oh, so relieved if you chose to use this movie outing as an opportunity to teach your child to pick up his mess and recycle her 3D glasses.

At the Horst house some of us may forget to pick up our messes, but we are all serious movie buffs, and we appreciate films of all shapes and sizes, colors and textures. We like our movies loud and quiet, happy and sad, old and new. We don’t even hate the bad ones because horrible movie lines are almost as fun to quote as the greats.

As a family, I’m not sure we could choose a preferred genre, but animated films definitely rate at the top of the list. And, yep, we still rewatch them when we all get together! The original “Monsters, Inc.” falls near the top of a long inventory of animated favorites, with “Lion King,” “Aladdin,” “The Incredibles,” the “Shrek” and “Toy Story” movies.

Our two favorite quotes from the first Monsters movie – “Kitty!” (Boo) and “I’m watching you, Wazowski, always watching. Always.” (Roz) And don’t even get me started on the song/play in the outtake clips.

Now you’d like to watch it again, wouldn’t you!? Pop in the DVD tonight to refresh your memory and prepare for the new one. Because….in its own sweetly laid-back way, “Monsters University” is perfect family entertainment. ~ Seitz

Don’t miss out!

AUGUST is AWESOME at the PALACE

“The Heat,” “Despicable Me 2,” “World War Z,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “The Wolverine.” Check out the calendar online at www.vintonpalace.org. Hard copies at the theatre soon.