Monsters University

Prequels are all the rage at the moment both on the big and small screens. Here Disney Pixar tells the story of how the unlikely pals Sulley (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal) came to be so close.

After the huge box office success of Monsters, Inc. back in 2001, this film has a lot to live up to and it does not disappoint on looks, plot or characters. Director Dan Scanlon (Cars) has created a film that feels a bit more mature than its earlier counterpart, although following the characters in their earlier years.

The film delivers excitement, and is thoroughly funny and entertaining throughout, but there is a deeper message lurking in the tale. As Mike and Sulley learn to like each other, Mike also becomes more tolerant of the other monsters and gradually starts to see the potential in each, despite their appearances.

Although Monsters, Inc. looked incredible at the time, the animators have definitely moved on a lot since then. This film was incredibly sharp, with intricate details that make it feel more immersive than its predecessor. But the former film’s fans will catch a glimpse of a few familiar faces.

We meet Michael “Mike” Wazowski as a very cute little monster on a school trip; he is the outsider of his class, a theme that continues on into his university life. Mike and Sulley have their first, unfriendly meeting in their “Scarer lecture”, and we see how different their characters really are. Mike has been studying hard, missing out on a university social life so that he can excel in class. Sulley is the opposite. Coming from a famous Scarer family, he is expecting to cruise through the course and pass with flying colours without studying. He delivers a huge roar with ease.

The main storyline is based around the Scare Games – an infamous university competition that aims to find the scariest student Scarers. Each fraternity enters a team, each with very different characteristics and special skills. Mike and Sulley find themselves together in the underdog team of the competition but, as this film teaches us, we should not be too quick to judge.

Monsters University feels like it has been made with lots of love and attention. There is so much detail that there are a few blink-and-you’ll-miss-it type moments. It is a great family entertainment movie that will have you laughing and enthralled.

Elly Perry

Monsters University is released nationwide on 12^th July 2013.

Watch the trailer for Monsters University here: