Monsters University

Pixar is back with their newest summer release, Monsters University. This is the prequel to the 2001 film Monsters, Inc. Here, we learn how Mike and Sulley went from rivals to lifelong friends. The film follows the duo through their first year of college as they compete for the role of top scarer at the famed Scaring School of Monsters University.

In the adorable opening, Monsters University reveals what started Mike’s goal of being a scarer. He finally makes it to Monsters University where he meets his fellow roommate and scarer, Randall. The two become quick friends helping each other through their first class where they are overshadowed by a cocky monster, Sulley. The film gives great background on the three characters.

Mike, Sulley and Randall are the only three characters from Monsters Inc. that are focused on in the second film. However, Monsters University adds a whole new group of monsters to the cast. Billy Crystal and John Goodman returned to play Mike and Sulley, respectively. Steve Buscemi returns as the slimy Randall. Helen Mirren brings her grace to Dean Hardscrabble and Alfred Molina is the voice behind their scaring professor, Professor Knight. Various character actors voice Mike and Sulley’s closest friends. Peter Sohn is a go-to voice in Pixar films plays Squishy. Joel Murray plays the older monster Don. Sean Hayes and Dave Foley team up to play the two-headed Terri and Terry. Finally, Charlie Day is the perfect voice for Art. And don’t worry; John Ratzenberger and Bonnie Hunt makes an appearance in the film.  

This was a fantastic film! It had all of the emotion that is expected of a Pixar film. We get to see the ups and downs of Mike and Sulley’s college days and learn a few important lessons with them. It even had some great references to Monsters, Inc. It is finally revealed why Randall has such a grudge against Mike and Sulley and why Roz wants to keep such a close eye on the two. Dan Scanlon was given the reigns of Monsters University. This is his first feature with Pixar. He previously directed a Cars short.

The story was very well written. I never felt that this was sequel as the story was strong enough to stand on its own. Robert L. Baird wrote the screenplay with Scanlon adding to the story. This film is a true testament to the young talent at Pixar. I look forward to seeing great things from these two.

Many have said that Pixar lost its shine with its past two releases, Brave and Cars 2. While I never felt that Pixar was losing its magic, I feel that this film is enough to quiet the critics. Monsters University is a great film for all ages. It will especially help the older crowd reminisce about their college days.

Like all Pixar films, Monsters University opened with a new short. TheBlue Umbrella is quite possibly the most visual stunning short to date. It follows two colorful umbrellas trying to find love in a sea of black umbrellas. The bleak city scenes looked completely realistic. The short was directed my Saschka Unseld who previously worked in the art department of part Pixar films. It’s worth seeing on its own.