A Solid Comedy and Family Film

Rating: 7/10 (10 August 2014)

People can be very reactionary. After lukewarm reviews of Brave, a few were already talking about the death of Pixar. I give companies more room than that to screw up, but I was growing apprehensive, to be honest. If Monsters University wasn't good, it would be the fourth film in a row to underwhelm me. (Toy Story 3's ending was great, but the rest was just alright)
Monster's University is a prequel, so we're lounging around already explored territory. We also have a good idea how the film will end as soon as we begin. It also borrows heavily from every college movie ever made, without a lot of parody.
I still had fun. :V
Its a bright, colorful, and funny film, with some of the best laughs I had that year. Mike and Sully are still good characters - they are mean to each other at first, but you do see them gradually form their friendship.
But my favorite part about the movie is its message. The whole "believe in yourself" shtick, although a noble idea, is often the last resort for movies trying to find something to teach. Just look at Shrek 3 and Foodfight! Monsters University slaps those movies in the face, showing that sometimes, you will fail, even if you try hard. But life goes on, and with hard effort, you'll eventually find your place. Considering the poorly-reviewed Turbo and Planes also came out in Summer 2013, Monsters University sticks out as intelligent, not falling for the clichés of cash-ins.
My biggest complaint is that Randall's role is one step above cameo. He could have been removed entirely, and we wouldn't have noticed. Ah well. Its still a fine movie.