Movie Review - Monsters University

Monsters University **½ (G) Twelve years ago, Pixar delighted audiences with its animated feature, Monsters, Inc. Billy Crystal and John Goodman voiced the cuddly leading creatures - little round one-eyed Mike, and big furry Sully. They might be "monsters", but in their realm, it’s the humans who are feared. Scaring kids is just a business that supports the economy. After years of merchandising success from the original, we’re served this prequel, showing how the guys met at college, turning from foes to pals, as they learned the craft we’ve already seen from their adult adventures.

3-D enhances the colorful action, but the script is something of a letdown, given the first-rate quality we’ve come to expect from this studio over the years. Little ones will still be delighted, but more discerning viewers will find dry patches and a rather derivative storyline. It’s basically Revenge of the Nerds or this summer’s The Internship for toddlers and tykes. Last year’s Hotel Transylvania might have actually been funnier and more frenetic playing with the concept of who’s-really-afraid-of-whom. The film is preceded by a sentimental short, Blue Umbrella, that seems geared for older viewers than the feature. You could do worse than picking this one, but Pixar usually does better. (6/21/13)