Monsters University

Trailer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBzPioph8CI

Before I start I'm gonna go ahead and say that Disney and Pixar can just go ahead and stop making feature length films now if they want and just keep making those animated shorts at the beginning of their films. Paperman at the beginning of Wreck It Ralph put a lump in my throat and The Blue Umbrella at the start of Monster's University did exactly the same. I won't include it in my final score but please pay to say this film to see the Blue Umbrella at the start. It's 10/10.

And onto the main feature- Monster's University. It's the origin story no one particularly wanted but are happy enough it exists. It's an important film for Pixar as it follows their recent wobble in truly incredible film-making. Cars 2 let the world down. Brave was better but didn't blow me away. Monster's University is where Pixar return to form....right?

If by return to form you mean a film that carries such an emotional punch it'll have grown men crying like in Toy Story 3 and Up you'll be let down here. It has it's heartfelt moments in the form of the relationship between Mike and Sully but nothing that will have the tears rolling from under your 3D  glasses. [top tip, go see sad pixar films in 3D and you can bawl your eyes out without people seeing].

If you want a top quality animated film that is miles ahead of most other animated rubbish that comes out every kid's holidays however then Monster's University is Pixar back on top. It's a charming genuinely funny film that doesn't actually need that strong emotional backbone to make it a good experience although admittedly the lack of it is just a little disappointing.

To be honest if the film didn't feature the familiar faces of Mike and Sully and the plot wasn't set in the Monsters world it would be just as good. As much as the monster world aspect is key to much of the film I feel like they're in this film just to sell more tickets as it's taking familiar faces from a classic film and sticking them on this as well. The references to the first film are a nice touch but it does feel a tad forced.

This is Pixar's take on a College Movie dressed up in Monsters Inc clothing so you should think about it as that rather than just another monsters inc film for some quick cash. The guys at Pixar put their heart and soul into their films and it's evident throughout. I can almost imagine the marketing department shouting at them to make it more Mosnters Inc-y though and to create more sellable characters. I'm stealing this from somewhere else but it's Walt's dream of heartfelt beautiful animation and the Disney Company's greed for money mixed together.

I understand I've not talked about the actual film much but it is really fun and a cut above most other animated films. Pixar don't quite have their flawless crown back on their head yet but they are certainly getting close.

8/10