Rated: U
Genre: Animation, comedy, family
Running Time: 111 minutes
Director: Dan Scanlon
Writers: Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird, Dan Scanlon
Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman
Synopsis: Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends. Screaming with laughter and fun, “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”) and produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”).
Verdict: A cartoon with formulaic plot of American college/university flicks, only that it's with monsters instead and minus tits (what's the point then?!). With a bunch of social outcasts teaming up with a popular and "better looking" student for a mutual goal, you'd easily predict how the story would go but fortunately, Monsters University was still quite enjoyable for me. It may not be as original or creative as the first one nor does it have the magic that Pixar-Disney films (before Cars 2) used to have but it does offer sufficient jokes and amusing colourful, lively characters to make it worthwhile. The typical moral values are obvious from the beginning but it still manages to send the message convincingly at the end. I'm not sure, however, if it's "cute" or widely relevant enough for viewers of all ages to enjoy.
Second opinion: "I liked it, thought it was interesting" (girlfriend).
Need to watch Monsters, Inc. before catching this? No, I actually can't really recall much of Monsters, Inc. (2001) myself but this prequel explains all that the viewers need to know anyway.
Promotional teasers: Some seemed to be complaining that the teaser (this one) didn't make it to the final cut. People, get used to it, it's how some films do it these days. Their trailers may be different from the final cut. But well at least it's not as cheating as Paranormal Activity 4's trailer.
To watch in 3D? I didn't watch it in 2D but I think it's probably worth watching in 3D. Again, let me remind you, most non-IMAX cinemas cannot properly cater to 3D screenings.
Short film: As usual, Disney & Pixar always tie an animated short with their film. This one is entitled "The Blue Umbrella". Not as great the previous Pixar shorts but apparently this one's main focus is just to show off the new photo-realistic lighting and refection techniques.
Rating: 3 / 5
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Favourite individual monster scare: Look out for Squishy's one during the simulation test. He sneaks into the room skillfully, gets the dummy human child to sit up and look at its left and then he quickly positions himself to the dummy's right and just stare at it with his many eyes until its head turns to look. Absolutely hilarious and genuinely terrifying if you think about it.
Other films with similar college story: Revenge of the Nerds (1984), American Pie: Beta House (2007), Glee (TV series), just to name a few.
Mike Wazowski:
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