M.U.4.Yutes

Rating: 5/10 (3 November 2013)

It's nice to see a movie with their heart in the right place these days. Though, despite their many, MANY, attempts, it was barely funny at all – I smiled a bit, but only laughed once, Monsters University definitely improved on the original. And that was my least favorite Pixar film until Cars (and eventually, Cars 2) came out.
Sadly, the criticisms don't stop there. The movie went on for far too long. This isn't an original story by any measurable means, even when it works. It did not need to go on for an additional approximately 15 minutes to tell the same ole story.
But, that said, this probably unnecessary prequel – why not a sequel? Huh – was still a good ride and the messages were literally from the heart and not forced. I had fun and marveled at the incredible graphics on screen. Yet another visually stunning Pixar film.
The story transports the main characters of the original Monster's Inc, Mike and Sully, back to college so they can prove themselves as "scarers." Along the turbulent way, they have to learn more about themselves and help fellow underdogs achieve potential as well.
Again, I was NOT a fan of the original, but I didn't hate on it. I felt the exact same here. But, considering the recent mediocre to very bad Pixar films of late, this one was refreshing to get back to a G-Rated, heart-filled story.
* * * Final thoughts: I haven't seen the original, since it premiered in 2001. Never planned on it. Maybe I will revisit to see if I truly felt this installment was actually better, but as it stands, I think it does.