Monsters University
2013  G  ANIMATED 1h 44min
CAST— Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi
MUSIC— Randy Newman  DIRECTOR— Dan Scanlon

     Set in the super scary, super ordinary world of monsters this prequel to the 2001 hit Monsters, Inc. is a hoot. Young Mike Wazowski’s lifelong dream has been to one day be accepted into the premiere school for future scarers, Monsters University. Now enrolled in MU things start looking up… until he meets James “Jimmy” Sullivan, a muscle-bound slacker coasting through school on nothing but his family name. Soon begins a rivalry between brain and brawn as Mike and Jimmy try to outdo one another not only academically but also on the playing field, for the annual scare games have arrived. Even though they play for the same team, representing the same sad sack fraternity, still the feud rages on. But true progress only comes when they put their differences aside and join forces with their motley frat brothers, forming a monstrous comeback team for the ages. Families should delight in seeing their beastly buddies again, even though they’ve all seen what lies in store for the scare industry. Funny stuff, as usual from the Disney/Pixar team, with the obvious kiddie laughs but maintaining enough maturity to keep parents chuckling, as well. Well done.
OUR RATING—  ***
FOLLOWED BY— Monsters, Inc. (2001)