Taking me back 12 years, one scare at a time.

Rating: 9/10 (18 October 2013)

It's hard to believe that it's been 12 years since we last saw our favorite monsters Mike and Sulley on the big screen since their debut in Monsters, Inc. back in 2001. I've always wanted a return to the Monsters world but a sequel always seemed unlikely. Enter Monsters University, the prequel to one of the most beloved animated films of the last 15 years.
Right off the bat, MU has you laughing in delight as we visit an elementary aged Mike Wazowski, the adorable and hilarious little green one-eyed monster we all know and love. Mike takes a field trip with his class to a little place called Monsters Inc. and the nostalgia kicks right in bringing back memories of 12 years in the past, a great way to get viewers back in the mood of the monsters world. When Mike is told by pro scarer that he should attend MU, Mike decides to become a scarer as well, and after a quick flash forward, we begin our wonderful journey.
In short, the script is executed brilliantly. The movie's plot takes a strong focus on the importance of friendship and even for older viewers, it puts a strong message in the back of your head. The college setting of the movie is the perfect place for all sorts of wacky and fun things to take place, and Pixar and director Dan Scanlon take full advantage of this by creating some hilarious moments right out of the average college students life. We see fraternities, parties, sporting events and just about anything else you'd see on a college campus and Pixar puts them into a family friendly context that create moments that had me laughing out loud in the theater. The dialogue is terrific to say the least. Jokes swing left and right and can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages, and even some of the simple dialogue that doesn't try to be too funny has you laughing. The script could very well be the highlight of the entire film. For pure entertainment, MU deserves all the credit in the world.
Pixar has a knack for creating some of the most memorable character tandems ever. The likes of Woody and Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story), and Martin and Dory (Finding Nemo) have become pop culture hits and Mike and Sulley are right up there as one of the best animated duos ever. Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprise their roles of Mike and Sulley respectively and the chemistry between the two is as strong as ever. The two want-to-be scarers first meet at MU and at first don't get along too well. This sets the stage for some wonderful competitions and some comical moments between the two and again, Crystal and Goodman's seamless chemistry fits perfectly. Eventually they come to earn respect for the other and this makes for a rather tense and heart-felt but overall entertaining ending.
While Mike and Sulley are the main points of interest, the supporting cast of characters deserves just as much recognition. Steve Buscemi returns to play Randall, who we know as the sneaky reptile, but displays some different behavior in MU. Helen Mirren also is here playing Dean Hardscrabble adding some extra talent. The best of the best however lies within Mike and Sulley's eventual fraternity, Oozma Kappa. This group of humble, little-known monsters make way for some of the best and funniest parts of the movie. Funny man Charlie Day sign on to play Art, the hilarious arc-shaped monster who isn't too bright, but is sure to get you a laugh. Squishy, Don, Terry and Terri round out the rest of the crew and they all provide the extra shot in the arm to keep the movie fresh and funny.
A superbly penned script, including an involving and entertaining story, hilarious dialogue, and a fun and fresh setting, colorful, lovable, and oh so funny characters portrayed by a talented cast of voice actors and an ending that keeps you entertained throughout the end credits (including after them). Put all of this together and you get Monsters University, the movie that I thought would never happen but after 12 long years of waiting, I'm glad to say the return to the world of our favorite monsters was well worth the wait.
9.5/10