On Friday, June 21st, Disney/Pixar Studios will be releasing Monsters University, the prequel to the very popular Monsters Inc. My family and I had the pleasure of viewing it before anyone, during the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration this past May.
As a mom of a toddler, I was a bit leery of letting my 2 year old daughter view the movie. I remember how fun and exciting Monsters Inc was, but it was also a movie about monsters. There were a few scenes that were meant to lightly frighten, even though they were few and far between. So this is the big question: Is Monsters University okay for toddlers?
Monsters University focuses on Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan (Sully), as they experience college life at, you guessed it, Monsters U. There are fraternities, college classes, parties and pranks galore to give us a taste of what college life would be for the average monster. From the few previews I’d seen, Monsters U looked like a light-hearted and funny movie. Even the lighting in the movie was brighter and more pleasing to the eye. I think this was key to making the movie more approachable for toddlers and preschoolers, since the mood throughout was meant to be exciting and fun, rather than scary. As usual, Disney and Pixar bring the awesome with theme music to keep all kids engaged and attentive to the story. My 2 year old girl giggled and wiggled her way through the whole 110 minutes of the movie.
When it comes to certain scenes in the movie, there was one closer to the end that could be a bit scary for toddlers, but as long as Mom or Dad is nearby, and laughs at the funny parts of the scene, most toddlers would be just fine. I sat right next to my girl, watched her intently and she did very well. All scenes after the one in question are light, airy and heartfelt, so the mood is instantly changed way before the credits roll.
Final verdict: Take your toddler, and all of your kids, to see Monsters University. The movie is full of comedic awesomeness and scenes to make you smile. You won’t regret it.
Disclosure: My family and I were invited to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. A portion of our food, lodging and experiences were covered by the event. All opinions are my own.
Good to know! I have a two-year-old daughter and I know I loved Monsters, Inc. when it first came out so I was hoping to take her to this! Glad to know it’s safe!
Thanks for the review! My 8 y.o. hasn’t seen Monsters, Inc., yet either. She’s a bit leery of scary movies. I know I would really like to get out for a movie afternoon this summer!