Not even Pixar is immune to the sequel bug. The studio, which enjoyed an incredible run from the late 90s through the 2000s of superior, original animated fare, has begun mining for gold off its past successes. While in theory, making a prequel to Monsters Inc. sounds more like a cash grab than a genuine artistic vision, we can be thankful that Monsters University nonetheless delivers what's expected of it. There's nothing groundbreaking or extraordinary about the movie, but it functions on a level that all viewers, regardless of age, will appreciate. Kids, of course, will be enthralled, and anyone in or beyond their college years will get a kick out of the film's various in-jokes.
Since the ending of Monsters Inc. made a traditional sequel next to impossible, Pixar chose instead to flash back to the initial meeting and relationship/rivalry of little green cyclops Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and the large, furry James P. Sullivan (John Goodman). Both hope to ace the competition in the Monsters University scaring program, but they each have their set of hurdles. Sullivan has the look and the menacing roar but lacks technique and discipline. Mike has the scholarly ambition when it comes to scaring but no inherently frightening qualities. When an argument between the two escalates out of control and results in them being kicked out of the scaring program, their only hope is to reluctantly team up with an underachieving fraternity and win the campus "Scare Games," thereby impressing the headmaster (Helen Mirren) enough to let them back in.
Most of Monsters University plays out like a sports movie, with Mike and Sullivan rallying a rag-tag group to an impossible victory while learning some life lessons in the process. It's about as predictable as the NBA Playoffs, but the fun is in how the characters interact and how many clever college-related gags the filmmakers can come up with (there are a lot, and most are very funny, but since this is a G-rated movie, don't expect Beer Pong to make an appearance). Events take a surprising turn about three-quarters of the way through, however, and this allows some genuine depth in the story to manifest itself. But while nothing here will blow away the veteran movie-goer, it's worth noting that Pixar, as per usual, pitches this movie at a solid level for everyone. Monsters University displays enough wit and charm that those who have reached puberty need not feel embarrassed to watch this and enjoy it.
Pixar has always been on the cutting edge of animation quality. I saw this movie in good old-fashioned 2D, and that's the preferred way to watch it. The bright, vivid colors and well-rendered shadows tend to lose some of their luster with a 3D conversion, anyway. And even though this movie reaches screens 12 years after Monsters Inc, there's no need to worry about a "Star Wars chronology" effect. The production values between the two movies are similar enough that you won't be jarred out of the moment, not even a little, should you watch them back-to-back in story order.
Judging by the trailers I saw before this movie, 2013's animated roster (aside from Despicable Me 2) doesn't look very promising. When the dust settles, Monsters University may very well reside at the top of the heap. As Pixar sequels go, this one is behind Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3; those movies boasted a boldness and emotional resonance that this one doesn't come close to. But that's okay. It's still a lot of fun, and Mike and Sully are a perfect "Odd Couple" for movie-goers to revisit. After Cars 2 and Brave, many wondered whether the venerable studio had finally started running on fumes. Monsters University proves they still have plenty left in the tank.
Rating: *** (out of ****)
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