[In Theaters: REVIEW] Monsters University (7/10)

My anticipation grew for Monsters University as the trailers began: are computer generated family films devoid of new ideas. Sure “structure” must exist but after a certain point enough is enough. Turbo and Disney’s Planes look like the same damn movie – then there was the trailer for Lego: The Movie, followed by Smurfs II (Lego even copies the music in Smurfs II – who knew Pitbull, once known for his lyric “oh you the healthy type – well here come some egg whites” was suddenly family friendly! Then again he was in the boring ass family flick Epic).

So back to Monsters University: I was excited to see, of course the new Pixar flick and just as importantly the new short (which inevitably will be Oscar nominated). This one doesn’t disappoint – The Blue Umbrella is a beautiful 60’s style jazz piece making beauty out of what I assume is 70’s New York – these shorts are a former of R & D and this one uses photo realism, soft focus, and a hand-held look. It’s beautiful and elegant with a little grit: kind of a nod to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Directed by photographer Saschka Unseld, I can’t wait to see what he does next.

But back to Monsters University: it’s as lovable of a Pixar flick as you might imagine – a departure of course from the heights of Up and Wall-E (two films I can’t believe resonated as deeply as they did), it’s furry, silly and only a little scary (not nearly as traumatizing as the end of Toy Story 3). In Dan Scanlon’s Monsters University we find ourselves meeting Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) during their formative years – originally rivals they evolve to become BFFs overcoming such buzz topics as “bullying” (I can believe how children are trained today – at our screening a few verbally called out instances of “bullying” - - if only the same parents would bring them to The Bling Ring).

Much of the action is good natured – but sadly formulaic. It’s as if every kids movie these days has to revolve around an epic battle for survival or a contest – thankfully the contest is enjoyable. After Mike and Sully are expelled from Monsters U’s Scaring Program by Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren) they’re forced to prove themselves via the Greek Life’s Scare Games. Joining a frat of lovable losers (Ousman Kapa or “OK”) they take on the establishment and work their way up the chain via team work – Mike is the brains and Sully is the brawn.

Monsters University is light, not nearly as life threatening or as bland as The Croods or Epic – thankfully Pixar continues to evolve even if they’re not making earth shattering epics that hit every emotional cord – leave that to The Blue Umbrella which on its own is worth at least half the price of admission. Monsters University continues the departure for Pixar: it doesn’t achieve the great farce of Ratatouille but its heck of a lot of fun.

7 out of 10.

Screening: Regal Elmwood, Dipson Market Arcade, Regal Walden Galleria, Regal Quaker Crossing, Dipson Flix, AMC Maple Ridge, Regal Transit, Palace Hamburg, Regal Niagara Falls