Enjoyable prequel

Rating: 9/10 (28 July 2013)

Here is a prequel to a hugely popular and enjoyable 2001 hit for Pixar that succeeds in developing the original's already highly likable characters. Don Scanlan has put together a satire on the American college system that contains very few surprises but manages to grasp the attention for 110 minutes with ease. Billy Crystal and John Goodman return to voice their old characters with relish, providing warmth and humour aplenty. Steve Buscemi's Randall is also there, sowing the seeds for his future bitterness.
The movie tells the tale of Mike and Sully's early relationship from initial animosity to close friendship. There are a few twists and turns along the way, spanners thrown in the works by Frat House rivals and Helen Mirren's sinister Dean, but our heroes overcome all obstacles mainly due to Mike's unquenchable optimism and determination to succeed in his childhood ambition to become a scarer.
Mike's main problem is that he just isn't scary. It was sad to see him come to this realisation despite his dedication and hard work, while Sully the natural born scarer struggles because of his reluctance to work at all. The main message of the film, therefore, I would say, is a simple "Be Yourself" message – accept what you are and celebrate your strengths rather than your weaknesses. Pixar is triumphant at creating lovable characters that get the message across and this film is no exception.
The film concludes beautifully, with Mike and Sully, and their unlikely friends in Oozma Kappa fraternity all ending up where they want to be. The CGI is gorgeous and the college is lovingly created with bright, sumptuous colours and a host of entertaining and likable support characters.
Go and see this film – you won't be disappointed.
9/10.