Film Review: Monsters University

Monsters University    7/10
Director: Dan Scanlon
Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi

Plot: set at Monsters University, we meet Mike and Sulley before the events seen in Monsters, Inc., where conflicts soon arise.

It’s hard to believe that Monsters, Inc. was released a staggering 11 years ago; yet it still stands today as one of the most popular animations of the 21^st century. Amazingly, a total of three directors steered the first film. This time, however, Dan Scanlon takes to the wheel alone and with great success.

Scanlon is a very risky choice considering he’s only directed an independent ‘mockumentary’ and co-directed a short film. Thankfully, he proves why Hollywood should take more risks, particularly when hiring new talent. Scanlon (who is also one of the six writers for the film) expertly weaves in between characters perfectly; it would be all too easy to spend too much time with Mike and Sullivan, characters we already know and love. Instead, we see new, loveable faces such as Squishy (voiced by Peter Sohn) as well as dark, villainous additions like Dean Hardscrabble (voiced by the increasingly cool Helen Mirren).

Also, for a family film, Monsters University is jam-packed with humour for adults and children alike. Many animations from recent years have failed to entertain those of all ages, with the likes of Finding Nemo and The Incredibles proving the most successful (in my eyes!) Nevertheless, this ‘prequel’ does suffer from feeling like a mere add-on. There is no real reason for this sequel at all; yes, we gain insight into how Mike and Sullivan’s friendship began but it doesn't quite have the freshness of the first film.

In Conclusion: though it isn't a necessary film… who cares! Monsters Univerity pulls off humour, features fabulous voice actors and steers its audience to a satisfying conclusion. Though it was great to visit these characters again, these two films should now sit nicely together... alone (no sequels please!)