Writer: Dzamira Dzafri

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Watch this if you liked: "Monsters Inc."

Much is to be said about the "Monsters, Inc." prequel, so let's start at the very beginning. After watching enough of Disney and Pixar films you will already be expecting a cute and heart-warming short before the movie starts.

In this case, it was "The Blue Umbrella". Compared to "Paperman" before "Wreck-It Ralph", "The Blue Umbrella" falls short as the story didn't give us as much emotion as we expect from a Disney short, although the experimental graphics and romance was still Disney-worthy anyway.

"Monsters University" had a very strong start and it kept us glued to the screen as soon as the first scene begins. Keep in mind that if you still had not watched "Monsters, Inc." before (shame on you), the characters and the references may not be as understandable or appealing to you, but it would still be great fun to watch nonetheless. Watching the film would also make you want to watch "Monsters, Inc." because it is literally the continuation of this film.

Billy Crystal's character Mike Wazowski was not really a favourite character from the first film, but his backstory is proven to be somewhat relatable and inspiring. He plays the part of the main character and most of the film is from his point of view.

You do not see Sully until a little bit later but once he does show up, John Goodman's presence can be felt in the entire cinema with his voice and the teenage monster he portrays so well. You will even be pleasantly surprised when you get to know Randall Boggs, voiced by Steve Buscemi.

If you watched "Monsters, Inc.", like we said before, some of the characters you knew and love will show up and surprise you with what they were like when they were college kids. You will definitely have fun spotting them.

As for the story, it did have a cliche plotline, but the twists and turns that took place will definitely keep you interested and guessing. The storyline was well made and while it did not have the same effect it had with "Monsters, Inc.", it was still remarkably well thought out.

And while you fall back in love with the old characters, the new characters are just as much fun to get to know. Art, voiced by "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" star Charlie Day, was a hilarious favourite while "Parks And Recreation" star Aubrey Plaza voiced the Greek Council President with the actress' same quirky persona.

Helen Mirren was also captivating as the stern and rightfully scary character Dean Hardscabble.

The movie, although it is in 3D, didn't really give us any outstanding effects for us to fully enjoy a 3D experience, but the artistic side of the film is amazing and you will start to wonder if some of the props were made by computers or taken from a photograph of the real world!

So without giving everything away, the bottom line is that every Disney and Pixar fan who has watched "Monsters, Inc." will need to watch this. No excuses. It's a must. For everyone else, the film might not be as exciting for you as fans of the previous film but it might still entertain you nonetheless.

Cinema Online, 13 June 2013