Monsters University

It is essentially Revenge of the Nerds, with fur. And scales. And whatever gooey, gelatinous substance comprises the outer coating of various other oddball creatures in this crazy parallel world.

Studios don't often seem to be thinking about the ideal moviegoer, just about the maximum number of moviegoers ... Pixar is no different in that regard, but even in this relatively fallow period ... it's never stopped thinking the most of us.

So many movies, these days, are about nerds and their market value. Dan Scanlon's prequel is the newest, but already feels old.

It's a strong look at the genesis of a satisfying partnership, but it could be stronger if it trusted that partnership to carry the story.

It is funny. But the longed-for return to Pixar greatness seems as far away as ever.

After an hour it starts to feel like Harry Potter gone wacky and gonzo - and not quite wacky and gonzo enough.

A criminally underrated prequel that was better than it had any right to be, Monsters University is far more than a stellar college comedy with monsters learning how to scare humans.

Although not wholly original or as monumental as some of Pixar’s other work, it’s a film that embraces the studio’s drive for timeless, universally appealing animation.

Lacks the substantial level of unbridled creativity and emotional punch found in its predecessor.

Randy Newman's original music gives the film a heartfelt yet fun aura.