Monster vs Monster

I've had Monsters on the mind lately. I'm talking about those endearing monsters from both Monsters Inc and Monsters University. My kids have the Read Along stories for both movies on constant repeat in the car, so I've been hearing the tales of Mike and Sulley a lot. And it's given me time to think. Who do I identify with, and how does it change in each movie?




In Monsters Inc, I absolutely adored Sulley. How could you not love the big guy? He was blue and furry, a superstar at his job, and he was able to tolerate Mike. I must admit, I thought Mike Wakowski was annoying in MI. When Sulley found an adorable, lost child, his instinct was to protect her, and to break the rules to do so. Mike, on the other hand, seemed to only care about following protocol and breaking the scare record. I couldn't imagine how the two of them ever became friends. Sulley was the charasmatic hero who shone brightest in his scenes with Boo. Mike seemed like a he was along for the ride, with nothing significant to contribute.




When I first heard the reviews of Monsters University, I was surprised the focus was a bit more on Mike. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the thought that Mike had become an endearing character. Because I live in Kodiak, we often have to wait a couple months for movies to come to our small island. Although I avoided trailers as much as I could, I still heard through Twitter that it was a fantastic movie. When I finally saw the movie on a trip to Juneau in June (and on a 2nd viewing last weekend when it came to Kodiak), I was amazed at how the tables were turned. Suddenly I was sympathizing with Mike. From the start of the movie, when he was ostracized by his classmates, I could identify with the little guy. I was also the hard worker in college, who studied all the time to keep up with those with natural talent. I was never one if the 'cool kids' as Sulley was. Suddenly I was looking at the adorable, heroic Sulley with new eyes. He started college as a slacker, brooding and somewhat bullying. Although he redeemed himself at the end, it was enlightening to see both Sulley and Mike in a new light.

So now, when my kids beg for Monsters Inc, I'm a more tolerant of Mike's excessive worrying and rule following. I'm happier at the end of the movie when Mike finally gets to be the star. And I look at Sulley as a more flawed hero, who has had pressure to succeed from the start. I have a more equal appreciation of both of them.


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