The Time of My Life- DCP Spring 2011

MOVIE REVIEW: MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (Spoiler-free!)

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:37:00 -0700

Monsters University poster (Copyright Disney/Pixar)

Tonight I was treated to a special advance screening of the upcoming Disney/Pixar film Monsters University. We were warned beforehand (via a special message from director Dan Scanlon) that the film is only “99% complete” because the music and sound effects are still being tweaked, but we still got to see the entire film and take in the full story.

DISCLAIMER: While I did get free admission into this screening, I was not compensated in any way, shape, or form, nor am I receiving any type of compensation for this blog post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own, and may not necessarily reflect those of Disney/Pixar, The Walt Disney Company, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.

My screening pass to Monsters University!

Anyway, onto the review! The bottom line- I think Pixar has a hit on its hands (or claws or tentacles, I’m not really sure). For those of you who were disappointed with Pixar’s last couple of features, Cars 2 and Brave, I think you’ll be satisfied this year.

Brave poster (Copyright Disney/Pixar)

Monsters University is a prequel to the 2001 hit film Monsters, Inc. If you’re not familiar with the term, a “prequel” is a film that takes place before the events of the film it is based on. This film tells the backstory behind Mike Wazowski, James P. Sullivan, and a couple of other familiar faces in addition to introducing new ones! But if you’ve seen the trailers, you probably already knew that. If not, it’s embedded below for your convenience:

The story initially focuses on Mike’s perspective and his dream of becoming a scarer at Monsters, Inc. It progresses to where he is in college, about to start his freshman year at Monsters University. This part of the film is a lot of fun. For myself (as well as for the rest of the audience- it was all college students!), it brought back memories of my freshman year and the start of the typical “college experience”. There are a lot of gags and sights to be seen that you may be able to relate to! From the campus tour guides to the dorms to the dining halls to the clubs and organizations, there are plenty of things to see that will remind you of your first day on campus.

So Mike goes through freshman orientation and meets his roommate (who may or may not surprise you), and they start attending classes. The progression is shown between Mike’s first semester compared to Sulley’s. It’s not all about classes though. They get involved with Greek life, and that’s when the plot starts getting interesting. As you’ve probably seen in the trailers, Mike and Sulley weren’t always friends- in fact, they were rivals! But I’ll stop here, because I don’t want to give anything away. I’ll just say that there’s a twist (or two)…

Mike’s first day at M.U.! (Copyright Disney/Pixar)

Back to the point of this post, which is to actually review the film. First, I’d like to start off by saying that this film has an important ingredient that I feel Pixar’s last couple of attempts have lacked- charm. While I enjoyed Cars 2 and Brave for what they were, I think both of those films lacked the ability to really form a connection between the characters and the audience, and the emotions they were trying to convey with those films felt a bit forced. Of course, Monsters University (I’ll refer to the film at M.U. from this point on to save some typing!) has the advantage of having some already well-known and beloved characters in the film, which helps add to the charm. But the plot itself is something that I think is a bit more relatable than the last couple of Pixar films. In some ways I would compare it to Toy Story 3 in that it’s a story about making a transition from one major life event to another, but this may be obvious from the title alone. The story and the humor really drives this film and helps deliver the above-excellent standards that we typically expect from Pixar.

Another advantage that this film has is that, like Toy Story 3, it perfectly hits its target audience, which is in large part people in my age range. When Monsters, Inc. was released in 2001, I was 10 years old, and I’m sure a lot of my readers were roughly the same age since most of my followers here are, like myself, current college students. The fact that they are still aiming for family audiences with young children without forgetting those of us who have followed them since we first saw Toy Story says a lot to me about how much they care about their fans. What I love about Pixar is their ability to tell a story that can entertain everyone, no matter their ages. It’s said that you’re never too old for a Disney film, and this one is no exception!

Toy Story 3 poster (Copyright Disney/Pixar)

The team that worked on M.U. really did a good job of putting a real-world type of story (starting college) into the fantasy world of Monstropolis. The clever sight gags such as the “monster” style architecture of the buildings and the way the monsters behave mimic the original Monsters, Inc. without overdoing it and yet create a new and unique film. There are quite a few scenes that “mirror” the original film as an homage, and quite a few cameo appearances by some of your favorite monsters! You may also notice a bit of foreshadowing that hints at the events in Monsters, Inc., including how or why certain monsters took specific actions in the original. As you may know, Pixar has certain references that are included in nearly all of their films. I won’t tell you when/where they are placed, but you will see A113 and the Luxo ball in this film! The voice actor who has voiced characters in every single Pixar film to date reprises his Monsters, Inc. character. I personally didn’t see the Pizza Planet truck, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t in there. Besides, what’s a college campus without pizza?!?! I probably just missed it.

The Pizza Planet truck makes an appearance in almost every Pixar film, but I didn’t see it tonight! (Copyright Disney/Pixar)

The only negative I see in this film is that despite its excellence, I’m not sure if it will ultimately match up to the film its based on, and comparisons between the two will be inevitable by the general public once it opens. It’s rare for any secondary film to actually be considered better than the original anyway, and so that may be its major flaw. Obviously only time will tell. But I do think it will eventually be considered a classic in itself due to its well-written script and execution, regardless of whether people end up liking it as much as Monsters, Inc. or not. On a sidenote, unfortunately we were not shown the new Pixar short before the screening tonight (titled The Blue Umbrella), which could be seen as a negative, but it doesn’t affect my opinion of M.U. whatsoever since it’s unrelated. I’ll just have to go back to the theaters this summer to catch it!

Monsters, Inc. poster (Copyright Disney/Pixar)

In summary, I would recommend this film to anyone, but especially to any past, present, or future college students! The film has a bit of a surprise ending, but it’s still satisfying and it completely works in both ending M.U. and setting up the beginning to Monsters, Inc. Even if you didn’t go to college or if you’re still a few years away from attending, there’s something in this film for everybody! At the end of the film, EVERYONE in the audience was applauding. I personally can’t wait to see this film again when it officially opens in theaters, and you should make it a must-see on your summer movie list as well! Stalk, don’t run.

Monsters University opens in theaters on June 21st.

Carstruck

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 02:31:00 -0700

Cozy Cone Motel inside Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.

It’s been a month since my last post. I try not to get such a gap, but everytime I go to write a post, I’m just too tired to get it done! Blame it on my 6-day, 40+ hour work weeks. But I’m finally doing it.

My program is going great. I miss being in Custodial, but I am enjoying my new role in Resort Transportation and Parking. So far I am trained in Field and in Concierge. Field is those CMs who direct you down the aisles and into the parking spaces. Concierge on the other hand, involves a lot of Guest interaction- Resort information, hotel shuttle information, and pin trading! Field is okay, but I really enjoy Concierge because of the direct Guest interaction. And I’m getting trained on Trams this next weekend, so I’m looking forward to that!

The entrance to Radiator Springs Racers.

These past two weeks were very eventful. Cast previews were held for Cars Land and Buena Vista Street a couple weeks ago, and this past week was the grand opening of both of those lands along with the re-opening of all of Disney California Adventure. This park is so different now, and in my opinion, it’s much better now. There’s so much to do that you now really can spend a full day there.

Impressive rockwork and landscaping adds to the already exciting Radiator Springs Racers.

The new lands are amazingly detailed and the Radiator Springs Racers attraction is probably one of the most impressive attractions that Disney has created in a while, which should be saying something considering that last summer’s new attractions, Star Tours and The Little Mermaid, are not terrible by any means! I won’t spoil anything, but I would say that it does live up to the hype and that you should check it out if you’re going to be in SoCal anytime soon!

Cars Land merchandise- Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket, Piston Cup, Cozy Cone souvenir cup, plus an opening day map, pins, and postcards! The O.C. Register dedicated the front page to Cars Land on opening day!

It’s really weird to now experience Disney California Adventure as a complete park. I’ve gotten so used to construction walls! But it’s good to know that this five-year project is finally complete. I was still in high school when the expansion was announced, and I never would’ve guessed that I would be a Cast Member when everything was complete! I feel that I’ve had a unique perspective on this entire process- for the first half I only saw everything unfold a little bit at a time as a Guest, but for the remaining parts, I got to actually be a part of it and be here to witness it happening! Although I will enjoy this break from construction, I am also looking forward to finding out what’s next for Disneyland’s second gate.

Buena Vista Street merchandise- Opening day pins for Buena Vista Street and Disney California Adventure. There’s also now a free newspaper distributed for Guests called the Buena Vista Bugle! The one on the left was a souvenir newspaper made just for Cast Members.

Cast Exclusives- A special edition of the Disneyland Resort Line (a newsletter/magazine for Cast Members), plus limited edition pins that were made for sale. The wrapped pin at the bottom was given as a gift to all Cast Members who worked on opening day, June 15th.

Anyway, there’s a summary of what’s been happening over the past month. As always, thanks for reading! Sorry for the gap- I should be writing my next post soon, after I’ve started my Clear T (Trams) training!

-Tyler

P.S.- A special shoutout to Khyrstin (who wanted me to mention her) and all of the other Disneyland Summer 2012 Alumni! Hope you all enjoyed this post!

Let the Memories Begin (again)!

Sat, 19 May 2012 02:14:15 -0700

So…I’ve only been in California for a week, but so much has already happened!

I drove from Arizona to California last Friday. I went straight to Universal Studios Hollywood, where I got to ride the new Transformers: The Ride 3D a total of 19 times! Although I’m trying to keep my blog focused only on Disney, I will say that Universal’s newest attraction is AMAZING! I’d highly recommend going to see it this summer, but only after you’ve been to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure! ;D

Over the weekend I stayed at my dad’s place and then went to Six Flags Magic Mountain on Monday and Knott’s Berry Farm on Tuesday. And then finally on Wednesday, it was time for check-in! I showed up at Carnegie Plaza around 8AM and was able to being the check-in process. Honestly it felt like I had never left. I’ve been suffering from Post Disney Depression since last August (yes, it’s real- Google it!), so getting to come back was something I was really looking forward to!

The past couple of days have been a bit busy. Thursday was orientation. I went through and filled out the remainder of the new hire paperwork and got my picture taken for my ID card. They still had the photo from my last ID still on file, but they went ahead and took a new picture. Oddly enough, I was wearing the exact same Disneyland Resort polo shirt that I had worn the first time I participated in the program!

Today was Traditions, which is not only the first day of training, but also the first paid day. Of course, as Disney College Program alumni, this day was already familiar to myself as well as to the other participants. But it wasn’t too bad- our instructors were able to keep it entertaining!

After Traditions, we did what most new hires do- we went into the parks! Didn’t do a whole lot tonight…saw the fireworks, went on Star Tours and Pirates of the Caribbean, and just walked around. But obviously I’ll have the whole summer to enjoy the Resort, even if it is going to go by so fast!

So that’s basically it for now…gotta get some sleep so I’ll have energy to hit the parks before my training tomorrow afternoon!

Thanks for reading, and check back soon for more posts!

-Tyler

Love having an ID again! Although I am going to get a nametag...

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:54:00 -0700

Love having an ID again! Although I am going to get a nametag that says Tyler (since that’s what I go by).

My final exams are done and I’m moving into Carnegie Plaza...

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:18:57 -0700

My final exams are done and I’m moving into Carnegie Plaza to start the summer alumni program in two weeks! It’s all happening so fast! SUMMER IS HERE!

This is the only thing I’m NOT looking forward to about...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:47:32 -0700

This is the only thing I’m NOT looking forward to about the summer program…believe me, this is the worst part.

Help send an orphanage to Disneyland! Please read!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:06:38 -0700

Help send an orphanage to Disneyland! Please read!:

This was written by Tyler Shoemaker, one of my friends from the Disney College Program. His wish is to take an entire orphanage to Disneyland! Please help by reading his story as well by sharing this with your followers. Thanks a lot!

Have a Magical Day!

-Tyler

Hahaha I still have a couple of small bags of extra pin backs! ...

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:20:40 -0700

Hahaha I still have a couple of small bags of extra pin backs! Guests definitely appreciate it when you’re able to give them one of yours when they find they’ve lost one.

ragecastmember:

Or pins!

When I go to Disney...

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:21:43 -0700

Love this! By the way, this also applies to the Disney College Program.

disneyforeverlives:

thedisneymagic:

The night before:

On The Way:

Arrival:

Meeting characters:

Riding my favorite rides:

That annoying kid:

Leaving:

Back home:

And the process begins…

THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE!

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:48:01 -0700

I got a call this afternoon from the Disney College Program…I have been accepted to the summer alumni program at the Disneyland Resort! At this time, I don’t know what my role is, but I will be back in Anaheim on May 16th and staying through August 17th. Needless to say, I’m excited for the opportunity and for everything that this summer will offer- not only the chance to experience the program again, but also to reconnect with friends, as well as check out the new offerings in Disney California Adventure (Buena Vista Street and Cars Land) and the refurbished Matterhorn Bobsleds!

I will begin writing new blog entries in May. To everyone already following me, thank you! I look forward to sharing the new adventures with you all.

Have a Magical Day!

-Tyler

From the Mouth of the Mouse (MiceChat.com)

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:55:01 -0700

From the Mouth of the Mouse (MiceChat.com):

Great article from MiceChat.com about Custodial Guest Services! I miss it.

Happens all the freaking time! Don’t mess with the...

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:36:37 -0700

Happens all the freaking time! Don’t mess with the two-fingered point- it’s a way of life!

Thanks to Rage Cast Member (http://ragecastmember.tumblr.com/),...

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:57:14 -0700

Thanks to Rage Cast Member (http://ragecastmember.tumblr.com/), I have a bunch of new followers! So to all of you, welcome! I don’t put up posts very often, but please see my past posts about my time in the Disney College Program (feels like it was such a long time ago!). If you have any questions about being a Cast Member or Disney/anything in general, feel free to ask! And as always, thank you to those of you who have been following me since my program last year!

Have a magical day/night!

-Tyler

lacey11: nopantsrevolution: Fun fact: If you look at the...

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:15:01 -0700

lacey11:

nopantsrevolution:

Fun fact:

If you look at the timeline of Pixar movies, you can actually paint a bigger story. The animators pretty much narrated the different stages of life from childhood, parenting, and then finding who you are. Cool stuff, right!?

God Damn. Why does Pixar have to be so amazing? :)

On this day last year, I officially hired into The Walt Disney...

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:39:57 -0700

On this day last year, I officially hired into The Walt Disney Company. It’s been an amazing first year, and in the words of Walt Disney, I’m “just getting started.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:49:31 -0700

This year has been amazing, thanks in large part to my experience in the Disney College Program. I got the opportunity to spend 7 months of 2011 in Anaheim working at the Disneyland Resort and getting to do a lot of amazing things with a lot of amazing people. From my first day of Custodial training to Cast previews of Star Tours and Little Mermaid to touring Hollywood and L.A., every minute of my Disney College Program experience was amazing.

Looking back on this year, I will always remember it fondly. I want to thank everyone who was in any way a part of my life in 2011. I’m thankful for my supporters, including family and friends, and my year was only so great because of your encouragement.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of New Year’s Eve and that everyone will have an enjoyable and magical 2012. And to all of you who are about to begin a program in the Disney College Program (or to those of you planning to apply), good luck to you! Have an amazing time and don’t pass up any opportunities- the time goes by fast!

-Tyler

Happy to say that I’ve done this!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:37:55 -0700

Happy to say that I’ve done this!

Seriously, you have not ridden Big Thunder Mountain Railroad...

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:37:28 -0700

Seriously, you have not ridden Big Thunder Mountain Railroad until you’ve tried the goat trick…

This was my role in the Disney College Program!

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:46:13 -0700

This was my role in the Disney College Program!

Love this one! Please follow this blog, it’s...

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:25:44 -0700

Love this one! Please follow this blog, it’s hilarious!

ragecastmember:

Introducing the College Program RCM!