Review of Monsters University (2013) by Jonathan L — 21 Mar 2014

Monsters University is a return to greatness for Pixar. It's also a very well made prequel, which is saying something concerning that George Lucas has made the term "prequel" infamous with being associated with his inferior 1999-2005 Star Wars trilogy. But there is one thing that Monsters University has that many other prequels don't. It nearly lives up to its predecessor in all aspects. Virtually redefining the term from its infamous status and turning it into an opportunity for franchises to explore their backstory. The original intent of a prequel I might add.

Basically everything you loved in the first film is present here with the addition of added material that almost improves on it. The voice talent is as top notch as ever with Billy Crystal, John Goodman, and Steve Buscemi reprising their original roles but this time as college students. And each of them has a character arc that defines who they were in the earlier film. Newcomers include Helen Mirren as the literally terrifying Dean Hardscrabble, Alfred Molina as Professor Knight, and Charlie Day as one of Mike and Sully's college friends. Congrats to Charlie for finding a place in voice acting! His manic speech is perfect for almost any animated character.

People shouldn't go around judging Pixar for having lost its magic after the underwhelming Cars 2. People should respect the fact that they have Pixar animation rather than five more Shrek movies. Monsters University is a comeback film for Pixar if I've ever seen one. And it will probably be their only comeback film because odds are, we won't be getting a Cars 3.

PS: the short film that couples with Monster's University is called The Blue Umbrella. And it is by far the most stunning and beautifully made work of animation I have ever seen. And goes in my top three favorite Disney Pixar Shorts. It may even be my number one favorite! You have to see it to believe it!