Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Monsters University -- a prequel to Pixar's hit 2001 comedy Monsters, Inc. -- tells the story of how Mike (voiced by Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) met in college. This animated comedy has fewer frightening antagonists than the original, but it does include several scenes of monsters trying to scare simulated (or in a couple of cases real) kids. The flying Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren) is a scary sight, and there's some mild bullying and pranks from the popular fraternities and sororities toward Oozma Kappa (Mike and Sulley's frat of misfits). Some scenes imply a little bit of college "partying" (characters hold red party cups, the contents of which aren't discussed), and there's one kiss. Fans of the original comedy will recognize certain characters and themes, which ultimately emphasize friendship, teamwork, and perseverance to overcome your fears.

Sexual Content

Don and Ms. Squibbles show an interest in each other and eventually announce that they're engaged. They kiss once.

Violence

Not really violence, just "scares" that include watching or listening to monsters scare real or simulated children. Several of the monsters have to practice various forms of scaring, and the flying dean is a frightening monster. In one scene, Mike and Sulley must frighten human adults. Mild bullying and pranks among the fraternities and sororities, including a pledging "paddling" scene that's briefly scary but turns comical.

Language

Mild insults, mostly toward Mike Wazowski -- i.e. "jerk," "lame," "failure," "you don't belong here," etc.

Social Behavior

Like the original, the prequel stresses the importance of friendship, perseverance, and teamwork. The relationship between Sulley and Mike proves that once you get past superficial differences, others might have more in common with you than you first thought. The story also teaches that you shouldn't let others dictate whether you're good at something or not. If you're willing to work hard and team up with other people, you can accomplish almost anything.

Consumerism

While there are no product placements in the movie, as part of the Disney empire, the Pixar movies have a ton of advertising, licensed merchandise, and products available, including stuffed plushes, board/video games, apparel, accessories, and more.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some mild college partying scenes, in which characters are seen holding red party cups (the contents of which aren't commented on) and playing a version of a well-known drinking game.