"Monsters University" is a callow prequel - CinemaDave

12 years ago, **Shrek** battled **Monsters Inc.,** in what became a symbolic battle between DreamWorks and Disney/Pixar studios, respectively. **Shrek** won the first ever Oscar for best animated feature, but **Monsters Inc.** won more awards and the box office gross. After four movies, **Shrek** retired into his swamp, but the characters from **Monsters Inc.** never lost public affection.

**Monsters University** is the prequel and puts the focus upon the one eyed midget Cyclopes Mike (voiced by Billy Crystal). While buddies in **Monsters Inc.,** we discover that Mike and Sullivan (John Goodman) were undergraduate rivals. In their petty rivalry, Mike and Sully run afoul Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren), the hardnosed administrator who is part dragon.

**Monsters Univeristy** is a fun motion picture with an upbeat musical score. However this sequel lacks the heart of the first motion picture, which induced some tears. In fact, the short subject that preceeds **Monsters Univeristy,**, **The Blue Umbrella** contain more heart than either **Before Midnight** and **Monsters Univeristy.**