Food Fun Family

Monsters University BBQ Recipes & Coloring Sheet

Lolli — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 03:35:44 +0000

I attended the Monster’s University Freshman Orientation in April. Travel expenses and accommodations were covered by Disney/Pixar but no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Planning a summer BBQ? Enjoy these brand new BBQ recipes that celebrate the tastes of summer with a fun Monsters University twist!

Make your BBQ watermelon look like Mike Wazowski, grill up a Scare School Steak, sink your teeth into some Roaring Ribs, enjoy some Cilantro Corn on the Claw, and then wash it down with Mike’s Melonade.

And while you’re cooking dinner, keep the kids busy with this printable coloring sheet:

Monsters University Coloring Sheet

Click on the image below for the full-size PDF to save and print:

Read the rest of my sneak peek posts about Monsters University:

Monsters University is in theaters now! Don’t miss it!
Like on Facebook: facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPixar

Producer Kori Rae Speaks About Monsters University #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:21 +0000

I attended the Monster’s University Freshman Orientation (press event) last month. Travel expenses and accommodations were covered by Disney/Pixar (as well as plenty of behind-the-scenes sneak peek information about the upcoming movie) but no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

When Kori Rae entered the conference room and took a seat at the head of the big table, surrounded by our rather large group of bloggers, she immediately felt like one of us. We could have chatted with her for hours, I’m sure.

Kori Rae Pixar started working with Pixar in 1993 and was part of the original entrepreneurial team that helped build and shape Pixar into the studio it is today. Kori worked on Pixar’s first hit, Toy Story, and then was asked to be the animation manager on A Bug’s Life and Toy Story 2. She continued on as associate producer for Monsters, Inc and The Incredibles.

Pretty incredible resume, if you ask me.

While we sat with her inside the Steve Jobs building on Pixar Studios’ campus, we asked her why it took so long to make a follow up to Monster’s Inc., especially considering the success of the movie.

Her response was that the decision to make Monsters University was more about how much the people at Pixar loved the world of Monsters, Inc., and not so much about the success of the first movie.

We also questioned the decision to create a prequel instead of a sequel. According to Kori Rae, the prequel made the most sense from the beginning. She said, “Let’s go backwards, see how the characters became the way they are, and explore the world of the Monsters.” Monsters University is the story of Mike and how he overcomes failure and how he realizes his dream.

The movie asks the question, “What do you do when one door closes, especially when you think that door was your only option?”

And answers back, “If you work hard enough, you can achieve anything.” What a great message to send to children and adults alike!

Ms Rae spoke of the challenges of making a prequel – she said that prequels are intense but a lot of fun. “How do you make a prequel fun and interesting but not predictable? You know how the story ends…” One of the first things they did in the beginning was to create and design background characters.
Animation-wise, the number of secondary/background characters was difficult in Monsters University. There are hundreds (literally) of background characters – any way you look at it, that’s a lot of work.

The good news is that everyone collaborates at Pixar. That fact was apparent everywhere we looked on the Pixar campus, from the way employees interacted with each other to the various clusters of chairs and tables designed for impromptu meetings in the middle of the work day. Kori said that you have to be able to roll with changes at Pixar – deadlines are changing constantly. They have milestones and goals, of course, but otherwise everything is fluid.

One of the bloggers in our group asked Kori Rae, “Do you ever get antsy and eager to see the project finished?” She answered, “Yes – but there is so much progress along the way.” Progress moves all of them along (and judging by their successes, they have a lot to be proud of!).

Check out this Monsters University trailer:

Monsters University comes to theaters June 21, 2013! Don’t miss it!
Like on Facebook: facebook.com/disneypixar
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

I attended the #MonstersUEvent press trip during the month of April. All travel expenses were covered but no monetary compensation was received. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Photos included in this post were taken by the official Pixar MU photographer. Used with permission.

Monsters University Activity Sheets (FREE Printables) #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:13:44 +0000

Do you have any little monsters at home who are excited about Monsters University coming to theaters next month??

Here are a few free printables that will keep your monsters (or monster fans) occupied and entertained. Click any of the images below to download the PDF to print at home. Enjoy!

“Like” MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook: https://facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity

“Follow” Disney/Pixar on Twitter: @DisneyPixar

Visit the website: https://www.Disney.com/MonstersU

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY comes to theaters on June 21st!

Note: No compensation was received for sharing these kid-friendly activity sheets from Disney/Pixar.

First Day on Campus: Monsters University #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:00:59 +0000

Disclosure: I attended the Monster’s University Freshman Orientation (press event) this month. My travel and accommodations were included, as well as plenty of behind-the-scenes sneak peek information about the upcoming movie. All opinions are my own.

As soon as I stepped off the bus for freshman orientation at Monster’s University, I felt like I’d been transported to a well-established college campus.

It has been a while since I was a college freshman (in fact, my daughter will be heading to college in a little over a year) but as I stepped under the MU banner and walked past the rousing drum band, those old college emotions came rushing back.

Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California, was transformed. From Monster’s University banners to monster-themed flyers pinned to all the bulletin boards, the whole place was decked out. It really did feel like we were walking around Monster’s University with Mike and Sulley (I caught a few snap shots with Mike and Sulley, who did in fact show up throughout our orientation).

Not only were we entertained by MU cheerleaders and drummers during our outdoor tailgating BBQ lunch, but we were able to enjoy some my favorite Pixar icons, like the Luxo the lamp and the yellow Luxo ball.

Inside the Steve Jobs Building, we spent a good part of the day in classes, but we took time out of our busy schedule to take our official Student ID pictures, a special picture with Mike and Sulley, and a quick visit with one of the Professors of Scaring who rated us on our scariest screams.

My kids were not surprised when I reported back on my score – my scream was received a Super-Scary-Dean-Hardscrabble on the official Scare-O-Meter (“Scariness is the true measure of a Monster”). In the next few weeks, I get to share a video of the scary and not-so-scary screams that happened during orientation (I must say, though – only at MU can you be sitting in class and hear constant screams in the courtyard. At least I hope that’s the case…).

After classes, we were led on a tour of the Pixar campus, and although much of what we saw behind the scenes was photo-restricted, I can tell you that I was in awe. I’ve loved Pixar from the moment I saw Toy Story for the first time back in 1995 (and many, many times since) but when I saw where and how they worked–where so much of the Pixar magic is born–I was blown away.

Did you know that Pixar has produced thirteen feature length animated films? Pixar has won 27 Academy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and eleven Grammy Awards, as well as many other awards. Up and Toy Story 3 are two of only three animated films EVER to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Pixar does some amazing work…but as we toured the campus, I was reminded that Pixar is only as strong and talented as the many talented, incredible people working there.

I’m just grateful that I could spend a few days surrounded by such greatness.

And now I’m excited to share this brand new never-before seen trailer for Monsters University:

How excited are you for this movie to come out?!

Monster’s University Voice Cast Revealed #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:46:06 +0000

Last week, while I was at Monsters University freshman orientation I met the voice behind the hilarious new MU character Squishy. It was amazing how much Pixar’s Peter Sohn reminded me of the character he played in the movie….but I’ll have more on that later.

Yesterday, Disney•Pixar announced the full voice cast for this summer’s most exciting animated movie – Monsters University. Also revealed this week were the story and screenplay credits. Monsters University is directed by Dan Scanlon, produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) with story and screenplay by Daniel Gerson & Robert L. Baird (“Monsters, Inc.”) and Scanlon.

Of the Monster’s University voice cast, director Dan Scalon said, “Working with this group of actors was an extraordinary experience. They each brought a unique level of humor, emotion and creativity to their work that not only complemented their individual performances, but made the overall story come together in a really wonderful way.”

The official Monster’s University voice cast:

· Billy Crystal (“Parental Guidance,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “City Slickers”) reprises his role as Mike Wazowski, now a college-age monster who follows his dream of becoming a Scarer at Monsters University.

· John Goodman (“Argo,” “Flight,” “Trouble With the Curve”) returns as James P. Sullivan (Sulley), an overly confident, young hotshot Scaring student at Monsters University.

· Steve Buscemi (“Boardwalk Empire”) rejoins the monster world as Randy Boggs, a Monsters University freshman who is ready to experience all that college has to offer (if only he can curb his habit of disappearing).

· Helen Mirren (“Hitchcock,” “The Queen”) gives voice to Dean Hardscrabble, legendary Scarer and hard-to-please head of Monsters University’s prestigious School of Scaring.

· Alfred Molina (TNT’s “Monday Mornings,” “The Da Vinci Code,” “Frida”) is the voice of Professor Knight, an esteemed professor in Monsters University’s School of Scaring.

· Dave Foley (TV’s “NewsRadio,” “The Kids in the Hall”) as Terry Perry, the skeptical half of a bickering two-headed monster and dedicated Oozma Kappa (OK) brother.

· Sean P. Hayes (“The Three Stooges,” TV’s “Up All Night”) gives voice to Terri Perry, the more sensitive side of a two-headed Oozma Kappa (OK) fraternity brother with Scaring aspirations.

· Joel Murray (TV’s “Mad Men,” “Two and a Half Men”) voices Don Carlton, a “mature” student at Monsters University and a founding member of the Oozma Kappa (OK) fraternity.

· Pixar’s Peter Sohn (“Ratatouille,” “Small Fry”) provides the voice of Scott “Squishy” Squibbles, an undeclared sophomore at Monsters University and Oozma Kappa (OK) fraternity member who still lives with his doting mother.

· Charlie Day (“Horrible Bosses,” “Pacific Rim,” TV’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) provides the voice of the incomparable Art, an Oozma Kappa (OK) fraternity brother with a questionable past.

· Nathan Fillion (“Much Ado About Nothing,” “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” TV’s “Castle”) portrays Johnny Worthington, the confident president of Roar Omega Roar (ROR), a Monsters University fraternity that prides itself on its notable Scarers.

· Bobby Moynihan (NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” HBO’s “Girls,” DreamWorks Studios’ “Delivery Man”) helps bring to life Chet Alexander, a yes-monster member of the Roar Omega Roar (ROR) fraternity.

· Julia Sweeney (TV’s “The Goode Family,” “Saturday Night Live”) lends her voice to Ms. Squibbles, indulgent mother to Monsters University sophomore Scott “Squishy” Squibbles.

· Aubrey Plaza (“To Do List,” TV’s “Parks and Recreation”) gives voice to Claire Wheeler, the somber president of Monsters University’s Greek Council and emcee for the annual Scare Games.

· Tyler Labine (“Tucker & Dale vs. Evil,” “Mad Love”) was tapped to voice Brock Pearson, vice president of the Greek Council and enthusiastic emcee of the Scare Games.

· John Krasinski (“Promised Land,” TV’s “The Office”) provides the voice of “Frightening” Frank McCay, a Scaring super star at Monsters, Inc.

· Bonnie Hunt (TV’s “The Bonnie Hunt Show,” “Cheaper By the Dozen”) was called on to provide the voice of young Mike Wazowski’s grade school teacher Karen Graves.

· Beth Behrs (TV’s “2 Broke Girls”) serves as the voice of Carrie Williams, fearless leader of the Python Nu Kappa (PNK) sorority.

· John Ratzenberger (“Cheers,” Disney•Pixar’s feature films) returns to the Pixar recording studio as the voice of a Monsters, Inc. employee.

Monster’s University roars into theaters on June 21, 2013. Lots more to come on Better in Bulk in the next few months as we prepare for the first day of school…I mean the opening day of MU!

Disclosure: I attended the Monster’s University Freshman Orientation (press event) last week. My travel and accommodations were included, as well as plenty of behind-the-scenes sneak peek information about the upcoming movie. All opinions are my own.