Movie Review: "Monsters University" Is Charming, But Really Misses Boo.

Monsters University

Director: Dan Scanlon
Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Alfred Molina, Charlie Day, and Helen Mirren.
Rated G.

It has been over a decade since audiences were first introduced to the alternate universe displayed in Monsters Inc. Now, Disney/Pixar have decided to deliver a prequel to that story instead of a traditional sequel. Prequels can be sometimes really add upon the established story, but often times prequels destroy some of the mystery and intrigue of those original stories. Fortunately, Monsters University tells a different enough story to keep it fresh without destroying anything established in its predecessor.


The plot is fairly simple. Mike Wazowski has been dreaming of attending the prestigious Monsters University since he was a little monster all in hopes of becoming a Scarer for Monsters Inc. He has the grades and the intellect to know just how to pull off the perfect scare. Problem is...he's not very scary. James P. Sullivan, on the other hand, has been coasting through life on his family's name and the fact that he is a big scary monster. The two of them are at odds at first, but both of them must soon recognize their own weaknesses and work together if either of them are to continue attending the university.

There are a lot of fun new characters that are introduced throughout the film. Many are given their opportunity to produce a few laughs, but I would have liked to see some of them more involved. My personal favorite was a goofy purple monster named Art, voiced by the hilarious Charlie Day (from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia). His character was one that could have generated many laughs, but he mostly went under the radar. Billy Crystal and John Goodman fit back into their roles with great ease and comfort. It is still fun to watch these two banter back and forth, especially since they are not friends when they first meet.

Though the film is generally enjoyable, it lacks the awesome creativity that is found in so many Pixar films, particularly the first Monsters film. It does deliver plenty of heart, but struggles to match the tenderness that Boo brought to the first film in her relationship with Sully. I knew there was no way she could fit into this story since she had not yet been, but I still couldn't help but wish she would show up. Nonetheless, Monsters University has some great moments and is worthy of the Pixar name.

RATING:  B