Monstres & Cie: Au travail

As a HUGE fan of the original movie, this show brings a smile to my face. The characters (new and old) are charming and seeing them get into shenanigans is fun.

There isn't anything particularly wrong with this series, it's technically well-made, the new characters are defined well and stand on their own pretty good compared to the ones from the original Pixar movie and prequel and there is a fine balance of humor and heart. The only problem is that the series so far just feels like it exists just to...Exist. Nothing more, and nothing less. Subversion and social commentary are what Pixar is known for, but there is little of that here, of the episodes released so far I have only encountered one scene in one episode that felt pretty heavy in drama that brought that Pixar kind of flair to it. I do like the expansion of the Monsters, Inc. World but still feel that we are only seeing tiny glimpses of what else it can present with this series, hopefully they decide to go a bit bigger in scale as it progresses.

Second season was far superior to the first. New characters were fun and helped build the world in addition to bridging the first two films together. First season was very slow but really enjoyed the direction and writing of the second season - and the divide of the monsters that were pro laughing and against it. The conflict particularly that rose in the last few episodes were fantastic even through overall it was a rehash/retelling of the films we've already seen. Would like to see them go in a more broad direction if it continues further instead of focusing so much on the tension between the two friends. However, fun series and season 2 wrapped everything up extremely well.

If I was basing the show off of the first season, it would be a 5/10. The first season wasn't bad, it was just pretty mid. I liked the characters and nothing outright offended me but there wasn't anything interesting going on. But then I watched season two. And oh my gosh, it is a huge step up. From the writing being sharper, the jokes being funnier and an engaging plot that kept me interested throughout the season. The use of the Monster University characters were brilliant and the expansion of the lore was really well handled. Tylor's arc throughout the season was amazing, accumulating in a fantastic moment in episode nine, my favorite episode. Val's arc was good as well. I think the ending of the season left a bit to be desired, but I still love the show.

This show is awesome when Mike and Sully are on screen and when they're on the laugh floor and when discussing the business. The protagonist is relatable and likable. But everything about MIFT, and the over the top physical "comedy" is absolutely atrocious.

The maturity level for this show is not on the level of the movie at all and it is disappointing.

Also the animation looks especially cheap for everything including Mike. Sully still looks great and the backgrounds are solid but everything else looks pretty bland.

The only things keeping me watching are Mike n Sully, the business itself and the atmosphere of the facility, and the familiarity/nostalgia. Right now it's a 7 for me but I can see it getting worse if MILT stays prominent.