Review
Pixar is the source of some of the most deep thoughtful and meaningful CG films that rival and surpass most attempts these days by any studios animation or otherwise. Personally i loved all their films including their most trashed films. I almost joined the naysayers prior to this films release before reminding myself that Pixar has never let ME down. And as expected excellence reigned supreme. This is in my opinion one of the best films i have ever seen. Why I shall explain.
Animation A The animation is fantastic then again what else can be expected from Pixar. Top quality CG that is breathtaking and detailed and yet so brilliantly original. Sully and Mike look fantastic as do all the other characters. And if you see the detail of the university Mike's room and many other portions such as that in the human world you will be flabbergasted by how amazing it looks. The cuteness of the characters is an added bonus. Pixar is one of those rare studios that pay the greatest attention to surroundings as well as every other aspect making you want to take notice of everything from posters in the dorm headlines in newspapers and the sheer workmanship of the great environments whether they are the university the living room the bedroom or any other setting. The way the film starts is just magical and so heartfeltmeaningful and most importantly inspiring. One of those great moments that just remind you of yourself as a child nostalgic and profound. A moment that is the ignition to the creation of great characters.
Story A. OK i agree there were parts that had a passing resemblance to Revenge of the Nerds and Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire but they were just that a passing resemblance. The originality of the scare games and what they signify to Mike is an amazing twist on competitions seen in many bland college comedies. I love how they developed the personalities of Mike and Sully. So much depth has been added to their characters giving them that 3D personality that made them the great characters in the first film and then expounding further to reveal how flawed but yet so great they are. And you don't get your usual ending. The reality of their situation and the hard life lessons that are thrust upon us and all the pitfalls life gives us are just one of the major resounding themes. And yet even through it the positivity and depth still resonates. You will no doubt smile all through and have several genuine laugh out loud moments that add to this perfect emotional mix. Yes a college comedy does not need to be PG or R rated to be funny and this one succeeds in triumphing over other college movies. And as someone who understands and has been through what Mike's character faces in this movie that added extra resonance and depth. Originality and imagination a classic twist on the similar heart(as with all Pixar) depth resounding mature themes life as we know it amazing humor and smiles galore what more could you ask for There are some minor continuity errors between the prequel and the original but those are minor and the story more than makes up for it. There may be some minor errors in the flow of the film and some differences in the characters personalities when comparing the two but the heart and themes more than make up for it so don't compare and you'll be surprised.
Music A. The score is good really good. Though i felt so much similarity between it and the Toy Story trilogy as well as The Princess and the Frog. Then again they too were works by Randy Newman and those scores were great too. Perhaps it is just me but i also noted similar music to Up in this awesome film.
Overall A great film that can be seen as a family a group of friends or individually. The rare film that truly has everything for everyone. Almost as great as the original or better yet perhaps just slightly ever so slightly below. And definitely one of the finest animated films in the past few years. A treat. It is amazingly heartfelt and a stand out in its own way. Different and beautiful. Taking the charming characters of the original and showing their journey to maturity and adulthood through inspiring moments heart pain downfalls and epiphanies while infusing so much depth in their characters and showing so many dimensions of personality. A story of hard life lessons and the realities of this world really deep and mature. A film that will be appreciated especially by college students and adults. Pixar once again proves why animation is perhaps the greatest medium of story telling on the silver screen and showing the world that animation is for everyone.
On a small added note unlike Pixar sequels that are more or less standalone and can be enjoyed having missed out on the first in the series this prequel has many many references to the original and builds upon it and so for the best viewing pleasure it would be better to see the original before seeing Monsters University. A lot of references went over peoples heads (both kids and adults)since they had not seen the original. I found this out at the end when i spoke to some people. Pixar you have shown us all that you can do great sequels and now great prequels. Please make another installment carrying on from the original Monsters Inc. Enough characters have been introduced and the mysterious ending of the original gives room for the creation of a universe. Thank you.
99.510. I rate it so because on subsequent watches it did not hold up as greatly as the first time.