It’s common knowledge that the partnership between Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney was the beginning of a monumental partnership; if you disagree with that then you should go and re-watch Toy Story. Although not as masterful with the sequels as they are the originals (I’m sorry but Cars 2 blows) it would seem that their ability to create a prequel is unparalleled, as proven with ‘Monsters University’. This is the long awaited follow up to 2001’s massive animated hit ‘Monsters Inc.’ but the big question is, was the 12 year wait worth it? Well in short, yes it was.
Set before the events of Monsters Inc., Monsters University looks at the story of how Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) met each other, survived Scaring College together and became the best Scaring team in the business. The storyline of the film is expertly crafted with absolutely no continuity clashes with the first film. It possesses all the classic Disney ups and downs causing younger audiences to experience that thrill as the hero overcomes the perils before him but also manages to stay one step ahead of older viewers with some clever plot twists. Disney-Pixar movies have always had elements aimed at the older members of the audience and Monsters University is no different; supplying laughs for all ages whilst delivering an interesting and unexpected underlying moral.
The visual experience of Monsters University is another example of perfection; the animation is incredibly detailed and looks almost live-action at times. Things like the lighting and water effects are impressively atmospheric and are testament to the advancements in technology now available to animators. It’s in the animation that you can really see the years of work. Monsters Inc. was heralded as the first animated movie in which individual strands of hair were individually animated (mainly for the character Sully) and with a fair amount of hairy monsters in Monsters University it’s clear the animating department had its work cut out for them. It’s also worth mentioning that Monsters University is being shown with a Pixar Short “Blue Umbrella” which also possesses stunning animation and a heartwarming story, it’s worth turning up on time to this screening.
The soundtrack to Monsters University, like all Disney-Pixar films, is so well implemented that it’s almost unnoticeable. The ambience is created without being too aggressive or too absent and marries with the visuals on screen like peanut butter and jelly. The classic score of the first movie makes a comeback on a few occasions, a subtle nod to old fans and a way of bringing new fans up to speed. Speaking of subtle nods, in true Pixar style there are also the expected Easter eggs of objects from previous films, most notably the ball from Toy Story (which ironically also makes an appearance in Boo’s room in Monsters Inc.) so keep an eye out for that.
We also meet a myriad of new faces at Monsters University each with a very lovable yet stereotypically ‘university-student ‘ personalities. The most memorable ones were that of the Scare Program drop out fraternity, Oozma Kappa. These guys presented timid yet dynamic personalities that developed noticeably throughout the film delivering kids the message that you don’t always have to fit in at school to be awesome. It’s a message that I’m sure will have many positive effects. Another memorable character was the intimidating Dean Hardscrabble (voiced by Helen Mirren), an unholy combination of a millipede and a dragon that comes together to become the films effective villain. Hardscrabble runs the Scare Program at the university and proves to be Mike and Sully’s biggest hurdle (besides themselves) at becoming top Scarers. Hardscrabble, although rather eerie, proves how Pixar can create a child-friendly villain that means business but won’t be causing any nightmares.
Like any good children’s film, Monsters University possesses a really relevant and admirable moral. Where these types of films usually spoon-feed generations the stereotypical necessity to form a heterosexual partnership, Monsters University tackles the beliefs surrounding the education system with impeccable subtlety. Without spoiling the movie, Monsters University sets out to encourage kids to find their own path to succeed in what THEY want to succeed in, effectively removing the over-hyped merit of a University degree and putting more emphasis on experience, hard work and team work. These three qualities make up the theme of Monsters University and are actually very applicable life lessons that are a refreshing curve-ball in a society hell-bent on further education. Don’t get me wrong, they don’t belittle University education but they do tone down its importance and offer alternative pathways to succeed, something many parents are bound to want their kids to associate with.
Monsters University tackles some serious aspects of today’s society, giving food for thought to older audiences whilst captivating younger audiences with a dynamic and entertaining visual experience and an accessible yet riveting storyline. Pardon the use of a serious cliché but Monsters University succeeds in delivering a feature length film that welcomes fans back to their favorite childhood universe, thanks to returning characters and little nods to the first film, but also introduces new fans. The film is so well written that Monsters University works almost better as the first film that its predecessor but can still be thoroughly enjoyed as a follow up too. Some jaw dropping animation wraps the package up nicely and leaves all ages grinning when exiting the movie theatre. For Monster fans and newbies alike, it’s time to go back to school.
Similar articles from around the web
