Monsters University

Cast of Characters:

Mike Wazowski - voiced by Billy Crystal

James P. "Sulley" Sullivan - voiced by John Goodman

Randall "Randy" Boggs - voiced by Steve Buscemi

Johnny Worthington - voiced by Nathan Fillion

Professor Knight - voiced by Alfred Molina

Dean Hardscrabble - voiced by Helen Mirren

Director - Dan Scanlon

Screenplay - Daniel Gearson, Robert L. Baird & Dan Scanlon

Rated G for general audiences

      In 2001, Pixar's Monsters, Inc. was released, becoming both a financial and critical hit. Come on, it's Pixar. Twelve years later, this summer, we go back in time and see how Mike and Sulley first met in the Pixar prequel Monsters University.

      The film takes place roughly ten years prior to the events in Monsters, Inc. Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) is seventeen years old and excited to finally be enrolled in the prestigious Monsters University, majoring in scaring. On his first day, he befriends his shy and nerdy new roommate Randall "Randy" Boggs (voiced by Steve Buscemi). While studying one night, Mike meets James P. Sullivan aka "Sulley" (voiced by John Goodman), who accidentally breaks into Mike's dorm while pulling a prank on the rival college Fear Tech. Sulley, who comes from a prestigious scaring family known throughout the college, skates through his studies without a care in the world. Why should he? He's big, frightening, and carries a roar that could create a faultline. 

      Over time, Sulley gets the attention of the big man on campus, Johnny Worthington (voiced by Nathan Fillion) of Roar Omega Roar. Mike is also interested in joining, but due to his small size, Johnny's unable to take him seriously. This sentiment is also shared by Dean Hardscrabble (voiced by Helen Mirren), the no bull, take no prisoners head of the University. Seeing that Sulley has the potential to be scary yet wastes it by coasting on his name alone and Mike knows every textbook answer of the what and how to be scary yet isn't scary in any way, Hardscrabble threatens to remove them from the program. However, if they and their new fraternity can win MU's Scare Games, she'll allow them both back into the program. When you see Mike and Sulley's fellow frat mates though, you'll see that's easier said than done.

      Rather than go the sequel route like Pixar has done with Cars 2 and Toy Story 3, Monsters University goes in the opposite direction by being a prequel, which is a wise move. As great as Monsters, Inc. was (a top five Pixar film for me), it'd almost be too predictable and kinda "what's the point?" to go with the "let's see what they're up to so many years from now. It's far more interesting to back in time and see how Mike and Sulley first met and got to where they are in the first film. Like you'd expect with a Pixar film the animation is as perfect as perfect can get. The monster characters are rich in color and imagination, and the voice-over performances are terrific. We know what we're gonna get from actors such as Crystal, Goodman, and Buscemi considering they're reprising their roles from the original film. There's some dependably funny supporting voice-over work from Joel Murray (Yes, Bill's brother), Dave Foley, Sean Hayes and Charlie Day. You know at some point Pixar regular John Ratzenberger will show up, and Academy Award winner Helen Mirren does an outstanding job as Dean Hardscrabble. On the outside she appears cold and demanding, but over time you realize it's her way of bringing the best out of her students. It's through her that Sulley realizes he can't simply skate on through his classes and expect to get by all 'cause he's got an intimidating roar and appearance. Opening a book every now and then would help. Likewise, Mike realizes you can be as book smart as they come, sometimes the best and genuine scares come from the gut though. It's those two key differences between Mike and Sulley that bring them together as friends and adds that element of heart to the film.

      Of course the film is a tad predictable. It's a prequel. We already know most of the characters, and where the story may be leading to, so you certainly can't fault it for that. Plus, in spite of its predictability, the final thirty minutes are a fantastic surprise. There's also a blink and you'll miss it Monsters, Inc. reference around the beginning of the film featuring a "Motivational Poster" on Boggs's wall that I got a kick out of seeing. Is it the best Pixar film ever? No, but it's certainly the best family oriented film out there right now. If you have little ones too young to see say Man of Steel or Iron Man 3, they'll have a great time here, and like all things Pixar, adults like me will enjoy it just as much. I give Monsters University an A- (★★★½).