Nerd alert!
In spite of providing Pixar with the second best weekend in the history of the company, Monsters University is yet another underwhelming effort from the once infallible animation powerhouse. Following the inconsequential Cars 2 and Brave, Monsters U is at least entertaining for those under 12 years old. Adults however will recognize a number of similarities with the trashy Eighties classic Revenge of the Nerds. Minus all the gratuitous nudity.
The following plot description applies perfectly to both films: “At a university campus, a group of bullied outcasts and misfits resolver to fight back for their peace and self respect.” Mike Wazowski (the little green monster) is in every respect the equivalent of Lewis Skolnick: Deluded to the point of insanity, Mike stands against teachers and alumni who believe he couldn’t scare a small child. Unable to join the most coveted fraternity, Mike lands in an under populated, peripheral brotherhood and takes it to the top by beating the jocks in their own games.
The one aspect they differ actually favors Revenge of the Nerds. Lewis and co. stay in college, while Monsters U celebrates dropping out. How is that for wholesome entertainment.
