Excellent but links poorly to Inc.

Rating: 8/10 (18 July 2013)

Monsters University
*** (out of 4)
104 mins/ U
Cast: (voices) Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Peter Sohn, Joel Murray, Sean Hayes, Dave Foley, Charlie Day, Alfred Molina
Director: Dan Scanlon
Plot: Before they were incorporated, Mike and Sulley had to start somewhere.
JJ's Verdict: Although a direct prequel to Monsters, Inc., Monsters University is better viewed as an independent film, which has some links to its original material. This is because Monsters University glorifies the scarers and their scaring when it was of course proved at the end of Monsters, Inc. that more energy can be produced by laughter. Because of this it can feel rather awkward that all the film's characters, especially Mike, are pushing themselves to become the top scarers. Another reason why it links poorly to Inc. is the character continuity. Although we see Mike, Sulley and Randall (plus Roz and The Abominable Snowman in brilliant cameos) it would have been nice to find out how the likes of Fungus, Celia and Mr Waternoose got into Monsters, Inc. Vice-versa, almost all of the characters from University are new creations so of course do not turn up in Inc. It would have nice to see an explanation for their absences or for them to have just expanded on minor characters from Inc. Despite this, Monsters University is still another gem from Pixar which is helped by colourful animation and brilliant voice work from all the cast.
Monsters University follows Mike and Sulley as they become Scary Majors and attempt to graduate into Monsters, Inc. However, Mike is a hard working know-it-all but isn't scary and Sulley is scary and a total slacker. Because of their striking differences, they don't get along as much as they would like to. And after a massive argument before their final exam, they are both expelled from the university unless they can win the annual scare competition. Distanced and branded outcasts, the only people who will participate in their team are the very unscary Oozma Kappa monsters. From here Mike and Sulley have to train their misfit team to get through a series of Hunger Games style challenges so they can get back into the university.
Momsters University is definitely Pixar's best animated and best looking film but although it is full of charm and well-defined characters, lacks the same mix of humour aimed at both children and adults which made Monsters, Inc. so popular with all ages. Because of this, it won't be able to hold everyone's attention, especially due to the film being overlong. It is also a shame that there aren't as many characters from Inc. but don't fear because Pixar have created a fabulous new bunch of characters. The Ooozma Kappa group are the height of nerds but their actual potential is very funny. One member's controlling mother is one of the film's highlights. John Goodman and Billy Crystal provide superb voice-work once again, as does Steve Buscemi as a nerdy version of Randall Boggs. Helen Mirren, although looks good on paper to voice a strict and overpowering head teacher, sounds like she puts no effort whatsoever in giving her character any redeeming.
Mike and Sulley are once again the stars here. The friendship is beautiful as is Mike's unlimited ambition to be the world's greatest scarer. Monsters University is a poor prequel but a very good stand-alone film and the animated film of the year.