Monsters University Review
This summer pixar returned to the beloved fantasy universe of Monsters Inc, a realm populated by the bizarre yet lovable race of monsters we all know and adore. In doing so, they have created a delightful animation feature, which delivers on big laughs over sentiment and morals.
The film is a prequel to the original Monsters Inc, and focuses on the two main characters, Sully and Mike, as they progress through university in order to become a 'Scarer'. There is an instant sense of warmth and charm as the film opens with yet another stylised hand drawn title sequence, a sort of welcome home. From here we see the beginning of Mike's life as a student, already brimming with his dorky but determined charm. His dream is to become a scarer, a future we witnessed during the first film. He finds a competitor in the selfish jock Sully, who by the end becomes the soft and fuzzy goofball we all know him as. While the plot may not be anything new, it does satisfy, introducing some absolutely sensational new characters along the way including the rainbow loving, glitter obsessed Art, who provides a large majority of the laughs during the film. The thing that always elevates Pixar animations above the rest is focus on character and heart over action sequences or cliched stereotypes, and this aspect shines during Monsters University, which is essentially all about the characters.
Monsters University is undeniably funny, utilising both slapstick for the kids as well as dialogue gag's that only adults will appreciate, it covers all grounds. Being an avid party pooper, humour is something that I usually don't appreciate, however this left me crying and unable to breath at certain points, which demonstrates either the film is very funny or I have bad taste in humour. As well as being hilarious and providing a solid plot, the film looks stunning, with Pixar's signature attention to detail providing some beautiful texture work, with fur being a rendered particularly realistically. The film's colourful and vibrant visuals are easy on the eye, and with the addition of 3D fully immerse you within the fantasy world, making it harder to face reality after the credits roll.
Speaking of reality, this is without question a film to watch in a laid back state of mind, over analysing will do you no favours here. Monsters University will entertain every demographic, with something for each generation to enjoy regardless of taste in film. As a popcorn movie, University succeeds brilliantly, as a savour to the animation industry, perhaps not. It's clear that Pixar were not aiming to reinvent the wheel, but simply ride it again, and do what they do best, provide animation that is heartfelt, funny, immersive and ultimately entertaining.
Speaking of reality, this is without question a film to watch in a laid back state of mind, over analysing will do you no favours here. Monsters University will entertain every demographic, with something for each generation to enjoy regardless of taste in film. As a popcorn movie, University succeeds brilliantly, as a savour to the animation industry, perhaps not. It's clear that Pixar were not aiming to reinvent the wheel, but simply ride it again, and do what they do best, provide animation that is heartfelt, funny, immersive and ultimately entertaining.
8/10
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