Monsters University (DVD)

Ever wonder how Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan paired up to become the top scaring team at Monsters, Inc.? Somebody at Pixar did, and it turns out that the seemingly made-for-each-other partnership had an unexpectedly rocky beginning. Wazowski's childhood dream was to become a professional scarer, and his acceptance into Monsters University was a dream come true--until an unfortunate encounter with "Jimmy" Sullivan ignited a rivalry that threatened both monsters' chances of success. True opposites, Wazowski is studious, uptight, and completely intent on learning the history and theory behind scaring, but lacks any semblance of actual scare factor, while the boisterous Sulley relies on natural scaring ability and his family's reputation, but devotes virtually no time or attention to his studies. When an argument between the two classmates gets out of hand, they are expelled from the scare program, and the fraternity-sponsored Scare Games offers them one last-chance opportunity to get back into the program. Wazowski and Sulley reluctantly join forces with one another and a hodge-podge of other misfits out of sheer necessity, but they are a team in name only, with each of the two monsters vowing to pull the "team" to victory through his individual efforts and sheer willpower. What the pair discovers is that only by working together and taking advantage of each member's individual differences do they have a chance of winning the contest. The animation in this film is absolutely stellar, the story is intriguing, the development of favorite characters is believable, and the foreshadowing of Monsters, Inc. events is skillful and subtle. Humor abounds throughout the film and the jokes and gags flow freely on a variety of levels, ensuring that kids and adults alike are kept laughing and wondering what's coming next. Returning voice talent Billy Crystal and John Goodman are joined by Nathan Fillion, Helen Mirren, and Julia Sweeney, among others. While the film lacks the sweetness of Boo's relationship with "Kitty" in Monsters, Inc., Monsters University is a prequel that complements the original film well and will weather repeated viewings. --Tami Horiuchi