Dan Scanlon

Despite a charming cast and good animation, most of this film is just fine. It's decent, reasonably entertaining. I've seen it twice, and on both occasions, I was never bored, but I was also never fully invested. The main plot twist is rather heavily telegraphed, the humour is usually chuckle-worthy but rarely anything more, and the wildly imaginative setting is horribly underutilized in the actual narrative.

But a lot can be forgiven by the superb final act. Sure, the actual plot involved is show more still quite predictable, but the execution is perfect, the kind where what feels predictable does so because it's inevitable, not because it's rote. The final 20ish minutes of the film are Pixar at its heartwarming, exciting best, and on both my viewings, I got teary-eyed and emotional at all the right times. show less

This was a really fun update and twist on various fantasy tropes and the adventure genre. Like seriously, I was impressed at how well the story flowed with explaining how the medieval magical culture we see in so many fantasy games/movies/shows became updated to the modern world. The story's good too, but not without heartbreaking moments. 4.5/5 stars.

A young Mike and Sully go to scaring school.

It had mediocre reviews (for Pixar), and it's a prequel. I didn't think there was much chance of it being anything but a disappointment. I was very wrong. It's at least as good, if not better than, Monsters, Inc. Like that movie, it doesn't have the emotional impact of some other Pixar films. But it's hilariously funny, and adorable, and all-around fun to watch.

Concept: D
Story: C
Characters: A
Dialog: A
Pacing: A
Cinematography: A
Special show more effects/design: A
Acting: B
Music: B

Enjoyment: A plus

GPA: 3.4/4 show less

The sequel should have waited for a better script. Lots of likable characters and great animation, but the first movie had genuine suspense, whereas this one has contrived suspense.