Monsters University Advanced Screening Event Review

Just one week ago we posted that there would be a series of Monsters University advanced screenings taking place across the United States and we were lucky enough to have a showing take place in our home state of Michigan (Ann Arbor / Detroit). Of course, we couldn’t miss this great opportunity to see the entire movie two months earlier than its initial release of June 21 (for North America), so we hopped in our car and headed over.

We arrived at the theater about two hours early to a dozen other fans that had already begun lining up – including fellow Pixar enthusiast and writer Nick Razzante (along with two of his family members). We had a great time talking with all the great Pixar fans that came out to enjoy the movie and within an hour of our arrival the line had grown tremendously.

When it was time to head into the theater, the staff went through a verification process to look up your name from the Facebook event page, view your student ID and provide a “coat check” for your cell phones. That’s right, there were no cell phones or other recording devices allowed in the theater and they held all of them until after the movie. They also checked each person in a group to make sure everyone had a student ID with them – so for people that have been asking, each person must be a student or faculty member of a college or university.

Before the movie started the theater was electric – you could tell that people were genuinely excited to see Monsters University. After the seats were full, Dan Scanlon (Director) appeared on the screen and the crowd immediately went to a hush as Dan gave a short background to the movie as well as asked that no one reveal any spoilers for audiences that will see it in a few months.

Although The Blue Umbrella will appear ahead of Monsters University for its broad theatrical release, the advance screening gets you right into the action of the main feature. Monsters University immediately captivates you with its bright colors, great vocal cast, and adorable set of new characters and doesn’t disappoint throughout. This film has to be one of Pixar’s most hilarious films – there were even moments where you couldn’t hear the movie over the laughter in the theater. We’ll save all the gritty details and the full review for the movie’s main release in June, but the bottom line is that you must see this movie. The movie is full of fun, laughs, amazing characters, and heart…oh the heart. People have been asking if this movie could live up to the excitement and emotion of Monsters, Inc. and we absolutely think it does as we heard quite a few sniffles in the theater during the more heartfelt moments. 

Watch this short video where we give a brief overview of the movie as well as hear from other moviegoers leaving the theater.

Finally, Dan Scanlon has hinted before that some of our old favorites would be back and he was absolutely right (though we can’t say who just yet). Be sure to also watch our for your favorite hidden items as well (A113, Luxo Jr. ball and a few more).

If you were at the event, we’d love to hear your feedback (in the comments section below) – what did you think of the movie (without revealing any spoilers of course)?