Monsters University

What's it about? Set many years before the events of Monsters Inc, Monsters University sees Mike and Sulley enrol at Monsters University, where they intend to study the art of scaring. Mike is studious but not scary, Sulley is lazy, living off his family reputation and his instinctive scaring skills. Both of them find themselves thrown off the course and the only way back on will be to team up with a fraternity of misfits and try to win the Scare Games.

What's it like? Monsters Inc is firmly established as a classic Pixar feature - funny, inventive, intelligent and beautifully crafted. Monsters University may struggle to endure to the same extent, but it is still a very accomplished, successful film. Most live action college-set comedies are pretty bawdy and so it is something of a challenge to swim in those waters while still keeping everything child-friendly and appropriate. That Pixar manage it so deftly is a sign of their enduring talent. We meet a younger, nerdy and eager Mike, who befriends Randall Boggs (before he went "bad") but finds himself at odds with Sulley. Billy Crystal's voice work continues to be one of the high points of animation in general and this series of films in particular and a combination of carefully crafted conversations, great visual gags and dynamic set pieces keep our attention easily through a long-ish running time (IMDb says 1h40 and it feels like it).

Whether chasing a mascot, breaking into the scare factory or navigating a tunnel full of toxic spiky plants, the exciting and funny action sequences are inventive, even if they don't hit the heights of the finale of Monsters Inc. The third act is not just thrilling, it also fits in with the character arcs of Mike and Sulley perfectly, eschewing the obvious in favour of something more considered, subtle and imaginative. Brief appearances by Roz, Waternoose, the Abominable Snowman and Celia all help the film blend seamlessly into where Monsters Inc kicks off and the overall message of "maybe who you're meant to be isn't who you thought you wanted to be" is far more welcome than the alternative of "be who you want to be, just wish hard enough". Not as instantly memorable or quotable as Monsters Inc, Monsters University nonetheless has much to commend it, including a slug racing to class, a great gag revolving around teenage cliches, a thoroughly funny mum and a University principal who is genuinely creepy (clickety-clack go a hundred spiky feet).

Should I see it? It's not essential big screen viewing, but it is another really strong effort from Pixar. They have been off their game a little from Cars 2 onwards, but this is still really good stuff. There just isn't anything offensive, mean or inappropriate about this film and although very tiny children will be scared by it, everyone else will have a blast. Afterwards, try to have a conversation with your kids about their dreams and ambitions, what they feel called to, or interested in and what they might feel God has for them. Monsters University has a lot to say about those times when we might become uncertain as to whether we are cut out for what we had pinned all of our hopes on. For slightly older children, this might be a way to start to explore these sorts of issues with them. Enjoy!