A prequel to Monsters Inc., Monsters University will certainly appeal to fans of the original.
Long before they were an unbeatable duo, Mike and Sully were students at Monsters University. Mike Wazowski dreams of being a top scarer, while Sully believes it is in his genes. However, the mismatched pair must work together if they are to succeed at university…
It was certainly a good idea to go back to the beginning of Mike and Sully’s friendship for this film, rather than produce a run-of-the-mill sequel. The narrative of Monsters University works well. Although the journey of Mike and Sully’s friendship pans out in the expected manner, the final outcome of the film is more of a surprise. It is interesting that writers Dan Scanlon, Daniel Gerson and Robert L. Baird chose a somewhat unconventional ending, but it offers a good message.
Monsters University really is Mike’s story. Whereas there was more of a parity between the two protagonists in the original, Monsters University concentrates on Mike for the most part. This is not a bad thing; as an underdog, Mike is easy to identify with. There are some nice scenes with Mike that makes the character even more endearing.
There is humour in Monsters University. Nonetheless, an increase in jokes would have made the film more enjoyable. Young viewers may find one or two moments a little frightening. The theme of college being a time when individuals discover who they are is persistent. Younger viewers may find the scenes concentrating on this fail to capture their attention.
Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprise their voice roles well. They are ably joined by Helen Mirren. The standard of animation is great, as one would expect from Disney Pixar.
Monsters University should prove an entertaining animated feature for adults and older children, but it will be fans of the original who find the film most endearing.
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