Monsters University

Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Helen Mirren
Directed By: Dan Scanlon 
Reviewed by Brendan Dousi

[rating:3.5/5]

In 2001 one of the most original, fun and imaginative Pixar animations debuted and enthralled audiences globally. Fast-forward to today and Pixar has finally released another movie to expand upon the rich universe created in the beloved Monsters Inc. With a lot to live up to, can this college-themed prequel live up to the legacy of the original?

Monsters University travels back to a time before Boo to a short, one-eyed green Monster named Mike (Billy Crystal) who dreams to become one of the greatest Scarer’s of all time.  But while he has the book smarts he lacks and important factor; the natural ability to be scary. When Mike gets accepted into Monsters University, run by the formidable and scary Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren), he crosses paths with Sully (John Goodman), a cocky Monster with buckets of natural talent and a legacy to live up to. While Sully has the talent he also lacks an important factor; the smarts. You see where this one is going, don’t you? After a number of shenanigans, to secure their places in the Scare Program at Monsters University, Mike and Sully have to team up with a rag-tag team (read: Fraternity) of misfit Monsters to win the University’s most prestigious competition, the Scare Games.

As one can probably tell by the basic premise of this prequel, the plot and story is exceedingly simple and typical, often bordering on cliché. This is quite disappointing considering how great the original concept and plot was. That being said, this movie did have a lot to live up to and it didn’t do too horribly considering. It just feels like falling back on the ‘college movie’ staple was too safe a decision, rather than taking the concept in an exciting new direction. Besides this, it’s wonderful to be back in this bright and fun universe, full of dazzling Monster designs and truly beautiful animation.

For what it is, Monsters University performs grandly and gracefully with winks and nods to characters from the original film as well as an array of fun and exciting new Monsters. Kids will love it, parents will appreciate some of the humour and those of us in-between who grew up with the original will just cherish the chance to spend some time with our old friends, Mike and Sully.

P.S. Don’t get there late or you’ll miss the delightfully cute Pixar short The Blue Umbrella, possibly one of the best shorts Pixar have done so far!