Film Review: Monsters University

This year’s Pixar computer-animated family comedy, 2001’s Monsters Inc. prequel Monsters University, looks at the relationship between the inseparable pair we came to love 10 years ago, Mike (voiced excellently by Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman), during their days at Monsters University. But Mike and Sully weren’t always the best of friends. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. Monsters University unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and, ultimately, became the inseparable monster duo we all know.

Rating:

Directed by Dan Scanlon, Mike and Sulley return on top form for this prequel; a hilarious, original, creative, well-written, and beautifully animated family film.

With some brilliant nods to the film’s predecessor, Monsters University shows you exactly how to make a good prequel. The story of how Mike and Sulley met is fun and one worth being told so, since the story has a purpose, unlike many unnecessary add-ons lately, it’s thoroughly enjoyable to watch unfold. Full of big laughs, there is also a number of new characters/monsters who are all brilliant, and the additions to the already impressive voice cast are hugely welcomed (Helen Mirren definitely needs a mention at this point!).

Fans of the original film or not, Monsters University is a fantastic animated comedy. Not only is it enjoyable as a family comedy that the younger audiences will love, but it is also a fantastic animation for the older audience as well, as it has some great references to classic American high school/fraternity comedies. Clever and constantly witty, I almost liked it as much as the first film; it certainly came very close!

The film is also accompanied by an uplifting 6 minute animated short titled The Blue Umbrella, directed by Saschka Unseld, which is a lovely and incredibly cute short film with exceptional animation and a beautiful score.

Who are these people saying Pixar has lost it? You’re crazy.