MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Dan Scanlon, Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animated Studios comes the prequel with MONSTERS UNIVERSITY.

This film tells the story of Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sullivan (John Goodman) long before they worked for Monsters Incorporated. Instead we go back in time a little to when these two best friends first met.

It begins with both attending Monsters University! Mike begins to attend scare classes and feels a tad out of place. When Sullivan walks into the room its hard not to notice him. Coming from a scare family Sullivan is the laid-back college guy who is always in the mood for a good time.

Mike, however, is a different story. Wanting to be the best student at Monsters U he doesn’t grab the concept of having a good time. Leave it to Sully to show him and start a friendship that, as we know, is one that’s meant to last!

FINAL WORD: It seems that Crystal slid back into the role of Mike with complete ease and doesn’t miss a beat. Goodman as Sully gets a chance to have a good time this film around. I’ve always loved the big, cuddly, fluffy Sully. Its good to see them again but, in the same breath, I’ve seen them… again.

Kids and families will love the film because it is a good bet that everyone will have a good time. Disney/Pixar is totally dedicated to good family animated entertainment and MONSTERS UNIVERSITY does that. For me I don’t think it’s always necessary to go back to go forward when there are so many other creative stories waiting to be told.

Other cast include: Steve Buscemi as Randall, Helen Mirren as Dean Hardscrabble, Peter Sohn as Squishy, and Joel Murray as Don.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give MONSTERS UNIVERSITY three tubs of popcorn out of five. This is definitely a family film and one everyone will enjoy. It is cute, adorable, funny, with a story, which is everything Disney/Pixar is known for.

That being said be aware that it’s all pretty much predictable and that’s not necessarily a bad thing – it’s just what it is. It is bright, colorful, musical, has some humor and lessons on friendship. There’s enough wacky movement to keep any eye occupied but to be honest, I like the original MONSTERS INC. so much more.

In the end – it’s back to school at Monsters U!