Culture

Rating: 4/5

As the “prequel” to Monsters, Inc. (2001), Pixar’s Monsters University revisits monsters Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) in their college freshman days, before they became “scarers.” Now, don’t be put off by this film’s “prequel” status; this movie is heart-warming, hilarious, and so visually captivating you’ll wonder if you’re even watching animation any more.

Teenaged Mike is a monster with plenty of smarts and not much scare; Sully is a monster with plenty of scare and little clue of how to use it. The two start off as hated rivals, but learn to combine their strengths in order to succeed and, in the process, become friends.

The thing that really stands out about this movie is the gobsmacking photorealism of Pixar’s CGI. The lighting and textures will seem so real you’ll think the scenes are filmed with a camera (despite the abundance of otherworldly monsters). Pixar’s animation has really come a long way since Monsters, Inc.. In addition to awesome effects, make sure to check out the creative character designs.

Admittedly, this film lacks the originality of previous Pixar features, riding on the same concepts that made Monsters, Inc. so popular. The narrative is exciting, yet predictable, and the film conveniently slips into the structure of any other American college-movie.

Despite this, the film is very aware of the college-movie genre, and cleverly plays on the (all too familiar) details of university life. Guaranteed you will recognise your lecturer, RA and fellow students in some of the minor characters. This film has clever comedy to keep you laughing and plenty of silliness to entertain a younger audience. Plus, there are plenty of warm-fuzzies to leave you feeling swell.

As with other Pixar creations, audiences are treated to a beautiful animated short before the main feature, so don’t arrive late. Bonus: if you feel a sudden ambition to become a monster scholar like Mike and Sully, search online for the Monsters University website – it gives Otago’s website a run for its money!

Although not amongst Pixar’s greatest work, Monsters University is undeniably warm, witty and entertaining.