"Monsters University" (U)Director: Dan Scanlon.
Starring (voices only): Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Charlie Day and Nathan Fillion.
Rated: U, for containing mild slapstick and comic threat.
Running time: 110 minutes.
Out now, in UK cinemas.
Set many years before the events of "Monsters Inc", this film follows Mike`s (Billy Crystal) tumultuous school life and his ascent into Monsters University; where monsters study to work in corporations that keep their world running through collecting the screams of young children. Once there, Mike encounters James Sullivan, (John Goodman) a large monster hot-shot who is an expert on scaring but not on exams. Soon, a rivalry grows, but if they want to succeed; they might just have to work together.
Disney Pixar are well known for creating some of the most loved children's films in animation history, with names like "Cars", the "Toy Story" trilogy and "Wall-E". Their sequels are generally quite good and don`t fall short of their expectations. However, Pixar has never completed a prequel before now and the one problem with prequel`s is, they rarely work.
Nevertheless, Pixar ignored the signs and has presented a piece of delightful amusement. From the offset, "Monsters University" produces the style we all acquainted with, from it`s predecessor; whether it be the familiar opening titles, or the appearances of some of our favourite characters. The characters are quirky and inventive; going from hippies to computer salesmen, who have returned to the university even in their old age. The voice talent is superb; Crystal and Goodman work together extremely well and produce some funny scenes.
The script is both inventive and funny, by daring to include characters not previously heard of in the original film. The jokes are highly enjoyable which will keep children and adults equally entertained. The animation is outstanding, as it should be from the Pixar crew, adding large set pieces and bundles of colour to the "Monsters" universe.
Verdict
As a prequel, "Monsters University" is an almost perfect sequel that has lost a few of it`s predecessors qualities, but not it`s charm and wit.
7 stars out of 10 = Excellent!
Written by Scott Gentry.
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