Monsters University (2013)

Monsters University (G) - Review

"Don't say Boo"

The world of monsters is literally fueled by the screams of fright from human children.  When one ambitious yet ostracized young monster stumbles into the process on a school field trip, his future's dream is awoken:  To graduate from a Top Monster University and  become one of the top Scarers in the field, scaring children nightly for their shrieks of panic and finally achieving recognition from his peers!

In the prequel to Pixar's Monster's Inc (2001), MU stays away from the kiddy cutesy-wutesy part of the Monsters universe, focusing instead on the good-ole college Rah Rah days of Mike (Billy Chrystal) and Sullivan (John Goodman), the two friends from the original who were once bitter rivals.  Mike is book smart and an overachiever while Sully is the lazy Jock with an obvious innate talent of scary.  Up against a harsh curriculum and an even harsher Dean, the two must team forces with a Fraternity of misfits to give it the Old College try, overthrow the status quo to remain in school (while becoming best friends).

MonstersU is a 6th grader's perspective into the College Experience, an Animal House for preteens or a Revenge of the Nerds without all the naughtiness.  While the formula feels a bit odd you are quickly reminded that this franchise is first and foremost about Monsters scaring children to gas up their cars, a macabre subject that if choked down anything could be accepted.  The day-glow paisley pallor to everything is an echo of its predecessor's kiddy vibe, and yet MU admirably does not get painted into that corner; instead it has gestated into its own College-centric nostalgia picture, sans the keg stands.

The muppety spectrum of colors and funny voices (with some good new ones including Charlie Day, Joel Murray and Dave Foley), the post-Harry Potter twist on education, the musical score straight from a Blue Devil's Drum Core show, the college in-jokes and traditions, and a pitch perfect third act all adds up to semi-mature Pixar lark for co-eds past, present and future that doesn't haze you with too much sentimentality.

7.5 Pledge Pins out of 10 (GOOD)

Post Scriptum:  The short preceding the feature, The Blue Umbrella, shows just how far the CGI giant has come with its rendering power (and just how oversimplified/oversentimentalized the messages of their films are).  A modern city filled with taxis, streetlights and other modern conveniences literally comes to life in a rain shower (that also generates the musical score), providing the back beat for a male and female umbrella perchance to meet.  The environment is as gorgeous as the love story is trite and meaningless.  Why must all Oscar Bait be dialogue-less?
6.5 of 10.