Don Scanlon's MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

A movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

I enjoyed this movie immensely. Visually inventive in ways I could never imagine on my own, the characters and story are involving and potentially more sophisticated than might be appreciated by very young children.

I found the “college humor” and how it trades on a huge number of college stereotypes both hilarious and nostalgic. The Pixar team has created a movie that is immensely entertaining, heartfelt, yet never crass and never boring.

Not suprisingly, these girls drive a convertible with three headlights.

It goes without saying that the animation is superb. What’s really amazing is that Pixar has figured out how to make a character with a single eyeball (Mike) expressive and has also succeeded in making a big blue hairy monster (Sullivan) not only appealing but sensitive.

Look at the expression on Sullivan’s face as he and Mike lie in their bunk bed at night contemplating the next day’s make-or-break contest. On the top bunk we see Sullivan’s worried expression and just a fleeting sense of fear. It’s not enough to be scary but it is enough to communicate once again how Pixar is the king of the roost when it comes to heartfelt and humorous comedies that push the limits of animation technique.

One of the most menacing characters in animation, Dean Hardscrabble, voiced authoritatively by Helen Mirren.

Monsters University is another Pixar triumph. There are so many clever details throughout the film that you need to see it on a large screen and you need to see it more than once. I definitely want to see it again. Meanwhile, check out the school’s web site. If you have ever helped a young person evaluate and apply for colleges you will recognize some of the bittersweet truths surrounding traditional higher education. For example, MU should be on lists where rowing Crew is an important consideration.

Review copyright (c) 2013 by Dennis D. McDonald.