All hail the summer blockbuster. WORLD WAR Z (2013) starring Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, and Daniella Kertesz has finally arrived in theaters to resounding cheers. Long awaited, this summer’s apocalyptic-action flick draws audiences on two major fronts. Pitt fans may have led the charge to the box office; however, zombie enthusiasts continued in their wake to fill the remaining seats.

Torn between the welfare of his family and the need to help find answers about the zombie pandemic, Gerry Lane leaves his family in the U.N.’s protection and heads off across the world in a desperate search for answers. With no corner of the globe exempt from the spreading virus-like infection, it seems to be only a matter of time before man’s reign on Earth will come to a screeching halt.

Playing to audience members with established ‘Zombie Mythology’ already entrenched in their vocabulary, WORLD WAR Z can be a might tedious in the beginning as we impatiently wait for our main characters to realize just how the infection is transmitted and how lethal a mass zombie attack can actually be. Unlike THE WALKING DEAD television series, this movie has managed to tow the PG-13 line and keep the zombie carnage virtually bloodless. Disguised by shadows, flashing lights, and cut-aways, we are spared (or cheated) the bloody results.

I found the comparison of ‘Mother Nature’ to a ‘Serial Killer’ rather interesting, unfortunately, with such a high percentage of the movie designated for the violent clashes, we’re left with little time to explore world-government and their choices. Hard core fans of Max Brook’s 2006 book of the same name will be surprised by the obvious changes. Directed by Marc Forster, Rated PG-13, 116 mins, Action, Drama, Horror. **** 4 stars out of 5.

Monsters University delivers fun

Twelve years might have felt like forever as loyal fans waited for MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (2013) starring Billy Crystal, John Goodman, and Steve Buscemi, a prequel to the original MONSTERS, INC. released in 2001. Sadly, I have to report that I was a little disappointed. Produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney, audiences of all ages will enjoy the movie, they just won’t leave that theater with the same sense of awe and wonder experienced after the groundbreaking original.

We join a young Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan as they both find themselves entering Monsters University, intent on enrolling in the elite and somewhat selective ‘Scare Program’. When unseen forces bring both young college freshmen together in the fraternity of Oozma Kappa, the two young boys quickly realize that it’ll take more than just individual hard work to propel them to the front of the class.

Prior knowledge of the first MONSTERS, INC. is not necessary, although my 16-year-old female guest seemed to enjoy MONSTERS UNIVERSITY much more than my three-year-old male guest as the nostalgic fondness of her childhood seemed to make this prequel more meaningful than those just being introduced to the characters for the first time. I would be remiss not to mention the short film titled THE BLUE UMBRELLA that played with the previews—a touching little treat for audience members arriving early to their seats.

Directed by Dan Scanlon, MONSTERS UNVIERSITY is sure to be another big earner for Disney/Pixar, released to coincide with the commencement of summer holidays. Parents might find themselves checking their watches; however, you’ll still leave the theater with the feeling that fun was had by all. Rated G, 104 mins, Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Sequel. **** 4 stars out of 5.

– Lynne Martin is an avid movie collector and a staunch supporter of sexual education. She currently resides in Alberta, Canada with her husband and their large extended family. For a complete list of her reviews and other works, or to leave a comment, please go to: www.lynnemartinbooks.com.

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