Why This Movie Is Deeper Than Most People Think
The most common criticism I hear about this movie is that it isn't as deep as other Pixar films. I agree it isn't AS complex, but it isn't as simple as people claim it to be. The message I took away from the film is that just because you really want a certain career really badly and try really hard, doesn't mean you're entitled to that career; you may not be good at it, or may not match up to the competition, and you may have to spend your life doing a second choice career or other version of that career. Mike wants to be a scarer, more than anything, and tries harder than anyone, but he is again and again beat out by someone with natural ability and skill. Who doesn't try super hard and it's not fair but it's reality. Spoiler, but Mike doesn't get to be a scarer. And he doesn't "realize his true passion for scare management." He's good at it, it isn't his first choice, but it's what he can do and still be in the field. For a kids film, in our current paradigm of "chase the dream, follow your passion, do what your heart says, try and you'll be rewarded" etc, that is a pretty daring and bleak message. It pretty much takes today's youth, who think if they want a career in an ultra competitive field (acting, directing, journalism, filmmaking etc) they'll get it if they major in it and try hard and this slaps them in the face and tells them to wake up. That's a pretty big push against the current American ideology. MU is basically the anti-entitlement film of the year. For kids. High five Pixar. Just my reading of it.