Monsters University Review

I was able to attend an advanced screening of Monsters University with Scott and the kiddos this week. The previews have been playing, almost on loop, on Disney Channel, so the kiddos were pumped to say the least! Here's a little background on the movie, just in case you have not watched the preview a hundred or so times....

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.


Before I even get into my review, I want to point something out that bothered me. The movie has Mike and Sulley meeting in college, however, in the original Monsters Inc. Mike mentions that he has known Sulley since the 4th grade. Oops. I was hoping they would explain that, but alas, they did not.

The movie itself is adorable and reminded me of Old School quite a few times. I think I would have died if a character was named Blue (You're my boy, Blue!), I really would have. We were able to view the film in 3D and while the kids may not have worn their glasses the whole time, I thought it was fantastic. I love watching the animated films in 3D, it just seems to add something magical to them.

The bigger picture message of working together and friendship definitely rang true throughout the film. All in all the kids thought Monsters University was "funny" and "silly".  Scott and I also really enjoyed it, especially the bonus scene after the credits!



For more on Monsters University you can:

• “Like” MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook: http://facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity 
• "Follow" Disney/Pixar on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyPixar 
• Visit the website: http://www.Disney.com/MonstersU

Let me know if you go on June 21st to see Monsters University! I'd love to hear what you thought!

Car Masters Weekend

The kids and I got to check out a preview of the Car Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney. The weekend runs from May 13-15, 2011 from 10:30 am - 6:00 pm on the West Side. Here are the events for the weekend:

* Muscle cars will line the Downtown Disney promenade alongside the largest life-sized, radio-controlled replica cars ever built--which bring their big-screen "car-acter" counterparts to life for fans to meet face to face.

* Pixar Animation Studios' "Cars" Franchise Guardian and resident car expert, Jay Ward, has been tapped to judge the Classic Car show which takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

* NASCAR fans can get a peek at Richard Petty's racecar on display inside RIDEMAKERZ at Downtown Disney.

* The family-friendly weekend will feature special Disney-Pixar "Cars 2" merchandise --including new RIDEMAKERZ models -- and bonus entertainment.

* The 2006 Disney-Pixar "Cars" film returns to the big screen with a limited engagement viewing at AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatres throughout the weekend. Moviegoers can even catch a glimpse of the new movie trailer from "Cars 2," which gets the "green flag" on June 24, 2011, presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX 3D® in select theaters.

We got to see some of the muscle cars that will be on display this weekend, and let me tell you, they are awesome! Aaron was definitely a fan of the Fabulous Hudson Hornet and I could have crawled into the Bonneville for sure.


Our next stop was RIDEMAKERZ which is this great area where you can make your own remote control cars. They just came out with a line of cars for Cars 2, check them out:


We are definitely going back to let Aaron make a car, he was in love with them. Also inside RIDEMAKERZ you will find Richard Petty's racecar (he is actually the voice of The King in the first cars movie). I was convinced Jill was going to climb in a la Bo Duke at one point. I figured as long as she didn't slide across the hood we would be ok, right?

After we checked out the cars we made our way to the event area, which is located between Wolfgang Puck and Bongo's (both crazy delicious restaurants). There are tents set up with different activities, games and contests. Also located in this area are the Cars replicas. I pretty much thought Aaron's head was going to explode when he saw these, and then they turned them on and he pretty much couldn't form a sentence. First up was Mater:


He is exactly like he is in the movie, down to all of the dents. I overheard Jay Ward say that he has a new dent, which you will see in the new movie.


Each location is set up so e-photos can be taken of you and your family with your favorite car.

The newest car is Finn McMissile:


He's a sleek spy car and if you notice, his grill is split so it looks like he has a mustache.

Finally, we got to see Lightning McQueen himself. He has a different paint job for this film and I have to tell you it's awesome!


Jill full on gave Lightning a hug and Aaron was just mesmerized. He spent most of the time checking out the wheels and every little detail about the car. I was lucky I was able to get this photo of us:

The kids had a blast and it was pretty hard getting them away from the area when it was time to head home.

I also got a preview of some of the new merchandise for Cars 2. This is a new outfit for the Duffy bear, it's not out in stores yet, but look how cute:

I had to crop out Jill's hand in this photo, she was trying to take the bear, I think she thought it was for her.

If you're local be sure to head over to Downtown Disney's West Side all weekend from 10:30 am - 6:00 pm to check out all of the activities including a video kiosk, e-photo opportunities, games and giveaways. You can also enter the "Agents on a Mission" sweepstakes, which features 18,000 prizes, including a new car.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this morning possible! You made my three year olds day, ok and their Dad's too....and maybe mine ;)