Monsters University (2013)

How do Monsters learn how to be Monsters? They go to college, of course. In Monsters Inc. (2001), I think we just assume that Monsters intuitively know how to be scary, or they have internships and on-the-job training through simulator training sessions, and so on. The prequel, however, develops the idea that Monsters receive more formal academic training. In fact, going to school to learn how to scare is a very prestigious field -- maybe like going to school to become a lawyer or doctor -- and not everyone that begins the program will finish.

Both Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) fail the program. Mike is book smart, but he's never going to be scary. Sully is naturally scary, but he's not book smart. They apparently meet as freshman, and I point this out solely for the continuity error (in Monsters Inc., Mike mentions that Sully has been jealous of him since 4th grade).

When Mike and Sully are dropped from the program, they have one chance at redemption: They, along with their team of Monster misfits, have to win a scare competition against 4 or 5 other teams. The task seems unlikely, but the Dean agrees that if they can win, they can reenroll in the program. Amazingly enough, their team does win the competition. but... Sully admits how, and then the two Monsters take their punishment and leave college.

So, if they never graduate, how did they ever make it to Monsters Inc.? They get their feet in the door by working in the mailroom, of course, and then they work their way up the ladder until they finally reach the Scarefloor. In other words, I guess if you have a dream, you will find a way to make it happen, even if you have to blaze your own path.

As a standalone movie, Monsters Universe is pretty good. If you start comparing it to Monsters Inc., I don't think it's quite as good as the original. Maybe too many characters not as memorable overall or as well developed. Not even a real bad guy in this one. The Dean (Helen Mirren) takes on the role of a bad guy, but she's never really out to get Mike and Sully: she's just tough because she holds Monsters in the program to a strict standard.

Randall (Steve Buscemi) is also a little weaker in this movie. In Monsters Inc., he comes across as a real villain. Here, not so much. Just another Monster trying to find his way through school...

Rating: 4/5

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