Not ironically, one of the things that makes Mike more likeable in my opinion is the recurring joke about his face being covered on TV lol. Especially at the beginning of the movie, I feel like this makes him have a cute sense of self-confidence rather than just seeming arrogant or self centered. And this is before the monster university context, because then this become kinda sad but also admirable of him to be able to maintain confidence ;-;
More than that, I saw that as cementing him as someone who was always overlooked and, combined with how Roz treats him, ridiculed. People love rooting for the underdog, and he had all the makings of one.
MU also makes the original ending even better because even though Mike couldn’t be a scarer like he wanted to be, he was able to fulfill his long life dream through comedy
What's extremely hilarious is that Disney Plus did that exact same joke. So like, when you are done watching a movie, Mike would be at the bottom right corner where the small movie also goes and the screen covers up Mike. Disney was very clever with that
To add on to this before Sully has the idea of laughs Mike is the one trying to cheer him up and make light of the situation despite thinking that his life is actually completely over as he knows it
I remember thinking about that when I rewatched the movie. They gloss over it but doing the right thing pretty much ruined the lives of dozens if not hundreds of monsters and even after Mike's worst nightmare comes true, he's just making jokes and trying to make Sully feel better
Actually boo is crying and Mike is able to get her to stop crying and she starts laughing, her laughter is so powerful that the whole city temporarily loses power
@@thebananaspeedruns9275 Yeah, but at the time nobody considered to use laughs as an energy source. Sully only thought of it near the end of the movie.
I mean, imagine if your best friend came home with the equivalent of a king cobra and a nuclear fuel rod wrapped together, the feds were tearing the city apart looking for this thing, but he's just like, "But it's cute! Look at its sad little eyes! We have to help it get home safely!" Mike was being _extraordinarily_ patient with Sully.
@@Pundit07yes at times I thought Mike was a dickhead in Monsters Inc at times but after watching MU his behaviour is a lot more likable Similar with Randall. I hated him in Monsters Inc and was happy when he got defeated, but after watching MU I saw a more endearing side to him which could explain his behavior in the first movie
I think it helps as well that Mike's egoism is delivered in a comedic way, giving the impression that while he is generally confindent, his moments of overconfidence are just that, moments. The kind of dude who sometimes falls victim to his own hype but is ultimately self-aware enough to not be an arogant pain
It also helps that his egoism is always counterbalanced. Sully can assert himself (sometimes more physical) and knows Mike long enough to just let him grumble afterwards, Roze is completely unfazed by his antics, Randall knows how to tick Mikes boxes and Celia brings both his loveable qualities to the forefront, but is also not afraid to say her opinion to him.
One thing I noticed (whether through a comment or not) is that Mike is never concerned only about himself, but both for himself AND for Sulley, as he's always using the "we/us" pronoun as opposed to "me/I" and "you"
And with the context of the prequel, it makes even more sense. He and sully build their careers from nothing, they didnt even finish college. He doesnt want their hard work to go to waste because of what at the time, he perceived as a dangerous creature.
Nah mike is literally the realest, chillest disney character I've come to be very fond of in my now adult years. Just a regular guy with that one true friend trying to get by in the world. He's funny, loyal, loves his girlfriend, likes his employment. Truly a great character
The fluffy orange monster who gets caught with the "2319" is turned in by his scare assistant. I never really thought about it, but that's basically an example of what Mike could have been. But, even if it had been a white sock, Mike's immediate reaction would have been to hide it to keep Sully safe rather than calling in the authorities.
Exactly! You pointed out so well. I never thought of it that way, it's great to see these subtle hints the movie makes to make us subconsciously understand while we're not particularly focused on that, now I see
As if he wasn't likeable enough already, Monsters University just made Mike even more of a favorite for me. Poor guy went through so much crap in his life to get to where he is now, of course he digs his heels in about losing their job at MI. This job used to be all that he and Sulley ever wanted, it's such emotional whiplash to him that Sulley might suddenly care about something else more.
Same! NGL I never got why people didn’t like Monsters University, I thought it was pretty hilarious and made Sully and Mike even more interesting and proving why their friendship was such a huge factor in the original movie. They’ve been through a lot together and came to understand and respect each other’s skills as a result, making them the perfect team. And despite Mike can seem a bit self serving or selfish, he deep down does care about others like Boo and his fraternity OK and appreciating their individual talents to become successful scarers. I’d argue Monsters University was better than the first one imo, despite I missed Boo and Celia
7:46 Monsters University shows us how hard Mike had to work in order to get the job he wanted. And after he learned that he isn’t scary enough. The best he could do was coach Sully on scaring. So you can really understand why he wanted to get rid of Boo in Monsters Inc.
Imagine working your ass off with your best friend and building a successful career even after everyone told you to quit, then your buddy just shows up with a dangerous illegal creature and just goes "yeah no, let's risk everything because I wanna help this thing"
I sympathize with Mike when trying to get rid of that twerpette (And I'm not referring to her by Sullivan's nonsensical nickname.). That furry meat-head made a mistake of becoming attached to her. Kinda wished that Pixar made Randall and Mike heroes (since they got along really well in University) and then Sullivan and Johnny can be evil, working alongside Waternoose, the big bad boss.
@@theenderdestruction2362 "it's" a she, use that, bruh. And if she did have a real name that wasn't Sullivan's pathetic nickname, you'd eat your words through a straw.
As people have mentioned before, Mike and Sulley are at their best when they work together. They're at the top of their game at the start of the movie when they're working in sync, but when Boo throws their lives out of order and they become at odds with each other, things get worse and worse and really only start working out for them when they start working together again
When you think about it, Mike's negativity isn't exactly unwarranted. He stood by for Sully and cooperated with him no matter the odds, yet it's clear that, as far as Mike knows, Sully is basically carrying a bystander to his issues. And by the time they're in the Himalayas, Mike's explosion is clearly justified. If anything, Mike is selfish, but makes solid points as much as Sully.
Personally I think Mike Wazowski is one of the most humblest characters in fiction. I mean look at the running gag here his face is covered on both the Monsters Inc. commercial and on the magazine cover at the end of the movie. He’s not upset that his image is obscured, he’s just happy to get some sort of recognition.
0:43, you would though because Sulley covering for Mike leads to him coming across Boo, Randall threatening Mike is what leads to us finding out his plan, Mike is the one who engages the simulator and uses it to expose Waternoose and it’s Mike who (admittedly inadvertently) gives Sulley the laugh energy idea
Thank you, he said that and I was just baffled at how wrong he was. Without Mike, Sully goes home at the end of the day, and Waternoose and Randal start kidnapping children to extract their screams. You would have to do a lot at every pivotal moment of the movie to make the movie happen without Mike.
I think one of the most important factors that allowed Pixar to tell the story of Mike with us still empathizing with him is because he's funny. A lot of the time unlikeable protagonists are played serious or don't land on the humor which ends up making them seem worse than they actually are. But because Mike is consistently funny even when being a bit of a jerk, it's easier for the audience to follow along and eventually see that despite his complaining and sarcastic quips, he does want to do the right thing for his best friend.
Him being imperfect makes him feel more real. Most people have traits we wouldn’t like if we saw it through the lens of a character in a movie/tv show.
I honestly didn’t really see Mike as much of a jerk when I was a kid. Sure, he’s someone who’s by-the-book, likes things a certain way, and is Sulley’s coach but even if he is a jerk, he is a funny, loyal and brave jerk. One of many things that make him one of my favorite Disney characters
I think what makes Mike's ego more understandable in this movie is the fact that he worked harder than any other Scarer just to even work at Monster's Inc. Honestly after all that effort I think I'd also be annoyed by the chance of it all crumbling down
I agree I always saw both movies about each respective character, Mike made more sense being the lead of MU and Sulley was the best main for MI, hope you discuss Sulley after this I enjoy these short analyses
I think many of us are like Mike. Used to living normally. But under danger or peril, only think about self-preservation and their own self. That is until Mike decided to man up Pixar style.
calling him selfish and a jerk is kinda unfair honestly. Mike is pretty much the most wholesome, self-confident and kind. Actually, he's the exact opposite of selfish, since he's pretty much always concerned about Mike before himself
I feel like people seem to ignore the fact that my coach such a protagonist role that people seem to forget about. as it was his actions of sending Sully over to pick up his paperwork that let him finding Boo’s door. But Sully wouldn’t have been there had Mike just filed his paperwork like he should’ve.
I always admired Mike’s confidence even when his face gets blocked by something on tv or magazine, he doesn’t let it faze him and is just content with being on there .
It’s also important to remember the divide between what the audience knows vs what the characters in the story know. WE know that children aren’t actually dangerous but in the world of monsters inc, everyone has been taught/conditioned to believe that children are basically living biohazards. He’s basically acting the same way you would if your friend found a live polar bear or a bomb, all you’re thinking is how can we get rid of it as fast as possible without destroying our lives (and that contrast to the fact it IS a little girl is part of the comedy)
I think what also makes Mike so likeable is perfect casting as Billy Crystal, he bringing an energetic, charismatic approach to the character just fits his voice perfectly that I can only think of a few actors of the late 90's/early 2000's that would fit that character. Could also be how well he partnered with John Goodman as well
This is a really nice treat of a video! A not too long, well written highlighter of a character I really like but don't get to think of too often. Thank you!! ^^
Ive been enjoying your videos about MI and MU, and as a crazy mike fan that psychoanalyses every frame he has, i absolutely love how you covered mike’s character in MI. Typically when they (other video essay creators) only talk about mike’s failure in MU even when he’s so much deeper than that. I really loved the comparison you did with the scare record and mike’s entire life’s work, its genuinely something ive never thought of but its so obvious and i didnt even think of it. Guess when you hyperanalyse things you just forget about the obvious details lmao
Mike and Sulley balance each other out, keeping each other from giving into their worst traits. Sully keeps Mike from becoming extremely selfish and shows him the value of being kind toward what he's seeing as another soul, Mike keeps Sully from being too reckless and rightfully calls him out for letting Boo become a borderline obsession. Without each other both characters would become awful people in different ways.
Being selfish > Being kind I think Mike can function without Sullivan. He was close to becoming legit friends with Randall had not for both Sullivan and Johnny.
@@Xiaolin-Loonatic “Being Selfish > Being Kind” That tells me everything I need to know about your character. He can’t though. Neither can Sulley without Mike. Mike collapses under pressure whenever there’s a conflict around him. Take when Celia is ready to go to Harryhausen. He struggles to formulate a response to Celia, and has Sulley step into help him out. Or take when Randall integrates him. The responses his gives to Randall are ridiculous. This isn’t Mike acting dumb, since these are questions he clearly knows and has no reason to act dumb about. I sorry if this comes off as rude, but do you actually understand Mike and Sulley’s relationship?
@@PrinceAliTheGreatest Like you're a saint yourself, bruh. Now, try to wrap your head around this: if Mike and Randall stayed friends (like in University, friendly reminder), there would be a likely chance Randall would help him, similar fashion as Sullivan, if not as pushy. Then Sully would be the secondary big bad, in cahoots with Waternoose: the big bad boss. Dunno 'bout you, but I believe Randall is better than Sully.
@ It’s not about being a saint. It’s about having human decency. Not saying you’re wrong, But that isn’t to happen. Nor would likely happen. Randall’s motivations were different from Mike’s. Mike wanted to prove himself as a great person. Randall wanted to be accepted, but already had his acceptance In the form of Mike, which he threw away in favor to be with more popular students of MU. That doesn’t sound like a good friend. Sulley, a person who’s gone from being a entitled person because of his family, too a selfless person who actually cares for others isn’t better than a person who threatens his own assistant, creates a machine to murder children, and is competely empathetic? This is trolling, right?
@@PrinceAliTheGreatest Decency gets in a way of a good time. Again, blame Johnny for poorly influencing Randall. You talk a big game for someone with single-digit subscribers. Get lost before you hurt yourself.
i met sulley when i went 2 disney world with my dad in february but mike wasnt there :( it was my second time there since i was seven in 2002 & i had even more fun than last time but i wish i met mike too :( we’re going back next month
The way you make an arrogant selfish prick likeable is to make them arrogant and selfish not just for themselves, but for their friends and allies as well. They dont think theyre better than averyone else, they think that they and their friends are better than everyone else, but they and their friends are all equals. And/or you have them not only willing and accepting of growth and change, but have them embrace it, and want to be a better person. Mike Wazowski, Fabian Seacaster from Dimension 20 Fantasy High, and Regina George from Mean Girls are some good examples of this. Mike doesnt just hype himself up, he hypes up Sully and Celia, Fabian also hypes up the rest of The Bad Kids, and all three embrace and want growth and change.
I always thought Mike and Timon from The Lion King were similar. They would absolutely hate each other at first because they're too alike. They both have complexity and would probably end up getting along, though.
I didn’t like Mike as a kid, I thought he was a selfish jerk. After watching “Monster’s University”, I realized he wasn’t as selfish, he really spent years with Sully working from the ground up since college. He had a lot to lose.
Your camera is so bright. I don't know if that's just me but it hurts my eye. Maybe it was set in the wrong way or just the exposure just reset itself. Still, looking away from that nit-picking, you're right and I agree with your statements
Mike Wazowski reminds me of _me._ Kind of a douche sometimes, but intelligent, funny, and means well. I take competition seriously. Also, like Mike, most people I interact with seem to like me. Maybe they shouldn't? Meh. It works for me, I'm not going to tell people they shouldn't like me! I guess Mike is more organised than me, and I'm more self-aware.
We have to remember that Marlin saw the aftermath of his wife and all their other children outside of Nemo eaten by a barracuda, with Nemo surviving only to have his egg damaged resulting in his tiny fin. So right out of the beginning, we as the audience understand why he's overprotective of Nemo beyond his disability, he's the last thing he has for a family.
In high school, I used to think Mike Wazowski was just an annoying character in Monsters Inc, but liked him in Monsters University. But then after covid, I told myself… What the hell was wrong with you. That’s the point. He’s freaking hilarious in Monsters Inc, him being annoying to Roz and Randell was just the butt of the joke. That’s why he’s so lovable. Heck, Monsters U pretty much enhances Mike as a character. You could see why he acts selfish in Monsters Inc when he did act selfish in MU.
I can relate to Mike more. I was with him in hating the little twerpette James foolishly became attached to (And I refuse to refer to what he named her.). Humans and Monsters/Supernatural Entities aren't meant to be friends. Another thing is that I would rather have Mike and Randall be the heroic duo, since they got along really well in "University" until James and Johnny both ruined that, giving Randall an unneeded antagonist role in "Inc". Though, to Randall's credit, his grudge against James and hatred for humans (Which all monsters and supernatural entities are supposed to have.) are warranted, so, Boggs gets my sympathy.
The problem with Randall is that he’s all of Mike’s bad qualities, amplified. Mike cares for Sulley, but is also selfish and egotistical. Randall IS selfish and egotistical and cares about nobody. He chose to be an actual jerk by humiliating Oozma Kappa at Roar Omega Roar’s party. He choose to treat his scare assistant Fungus like crap, he choose harm an innocent little girl. His hatred isn’t justified what so ever. Monsters and Supernatral entities are fictional. The monsters in Monsters, Inc are sentient and capable as humans, and have morality and ethics, such as shown with Sullivan and Mike, and even Mike’s girlfriend. It’s like that quote in Wreck-It-Ralph. Being a bad guy, doesn’t meant you’re a ‘bad’ guy. Because you’re a monster, doesn’t mean you’re a ‘monster’. I think you missed the point in that.
Also, Mike doesn’t hate Boo. He hates the fact that she’s in the way of Sulley and Mike’s life. Sulley can’t grow attached to someone he cares about? Sulley isn’t a monster in a figurative sense. Only a literally sense, so what does it matter if he grows an attachment to a child?
@@PrinceAliTheGreatest You don't know when to quit, AliTheSoftie (Nor stick your comments into others business; do us a favor and stay out, Fool.)? Need I remind you that Johnny is the living drug that made Randall what he is: a formerly nice monster until he manipulated Randall into what he is (The only difference between he and Randall is that he's got charisma.). And yes, his hatred is justified, and I won't hear otherwise from the likes of you, bruh. Keep Humans away from Supernaturals; for both sides sakes. And on that note, Mike's reasoning for not liking the little Flim-Flam pig-tailed blackhead is justified, too. His asinine attachment did get in the way.
@ This isn’t your comment section. It’s neither your business to respond to someone’s comment, yet you’re fine responding to the OC’s comment like it’s nothing. You’re trying to dodge discourse with someone who disagrees with you. I can very much well comment when I want, and where I want on whomever’s comment. If you don’t like that, that’s not my problem, and I’m sorry if that’s an issue you take from me commenting. I’ve already explained why Worthington isn’t an excuse for Randall to be a jerk. You decide to be a jerk, nobody forced you too. You’re trying to paint Randall in a sympathetic light than what he actually is, when every decision he’s ever made has been his choice to make. Mike could’ve easily ratted Sulley out to the police to save himself, but he didn’t. Why? Because he’s not a selfish person who cares about themselves. He cares about Sully. That’s the end of that argument, and saying otherwise is false. Why can’t humans and supernaturals be friends? Could you further elaborate on this, please? What’s wrong with me being a friend’s with a ghost or a gigantic blue-furred and purple polkadoted bear-lion hybrid? Sulley literally apologizes for having Boo in the way of their lives and even getting banished. Also, if Mike hates Boo, then why did he say in the scene when he’s explaining to Waternoose Randall’s evil plot, and said “And he was gonna test it out on that sweet little girl”. Yeah, that totally sounds like he hates Boo, right?
@@PrinceAliTheGreatest Look who's typing; anyone who dare to disagree with you, you give a short paragraph on why Randall sucks for asinine reasons. For the record, I know it's not my comment section, bruh. And I read a lot of horror novels and seen horror movies on why humans and supernaturals don't mix (Aliens get a pass.). And... I worry you might derail their supernatural self-respect if you befriend something as deadly and scary as a ghost, hybrid, let alone a vampire or the Grim Reaper. Which is why Natural and Supernatural should stay separate; like Church and State. Eh, you may have a point, Randall might've done the same to an innocent little boy, but Mike really hates Sully's bond for her, getting in the way of their priorities, 24/7. Again, not blaming him. And once Waternoose was in on Randall's plan, then he's back to loathing the twerpette, again, not blaming him.
Not ironically, one of the things that makes Mike more likeable in my opinion is the recurring joke about his face being covered on TV lol. Especially at the beginning of the movie, I feel like this makes him have a cute sense of self-confidence rather than just seeming arrogant or self centered.
And this is before the monster university context, because then this become kinda sad but also admirable of him to be able to maintain confidence ;-;
It also grounded him as a character imo. He wasn’t the usual superstar egotistical main character, he was just a regular guy, with regular ambitions.
More than that, I saw that as cementing him as someone who was always overlooked and, combined with how Roz treats him, ridiculed. People love rooting for the underdog, and he had all the makings of one.
Give me an arrogant character
MU also makes the original ending even better because even though Mike couldn’t be a scarer like he wanted to be, he was able to fulfill his long life dream through comedy
What's extremely hilarious is that Disney Plus did that exact same joke. So like, when you are done watching a movie, Mike would be at the bottom right corner where the small movie also goes and the screen covers up Mike. Disney was very clever with that
To add on to this before Sully has the idea of laughs Mike is the one trying to cheer him up and make light of the situation despite thinking that his life is actually completely over as he knows it
I remember thinking about that when I rewatched the movie. They gloss over it but doing the right thing pretty much ruined the lives of dozens if not hundreds of monsters and even after Mike's worst nightmare comes true, he's just making jokes and trying to make Sully feel better
Actually boo is crying and Mike is able to get her to stop crying and she starts laughing, her laughter is so powerful that the whole city temporarily loses power
@@thebananaspeedruns9275 Yeah, but at the time nobody considered to use laughs as an energy source. Sully only thought of it near the end of the movie.
I mean, imagine if your best friend came home with the equivalent of a king cobra and a nuclear fuel rod wrapped together, the feds were tearing the city apart looking for this thing, but he's just like, "But it's cute! Look at its sad little eyes! We have to help it get home safely!"
Mike was being _extraordinarily_ patient with Sully.
Especially considering all the crap that Mike had to go through in Monsters University in order to get a job at his dream company.
@@Pundit07yes at times I thought Mike was a dickhead in Monsters Inc at times but after watching MU his behaviour is a lot more likable
Similar with Randall. I hated him in Monsters Inc and was happy when he got defeated, but after watching MU I saw a more endearing side to him which could explain his behavior in the first movie
I think it helps as well that Mike's egoism is delivered in a comedic way, giving the impression that while he is generally confindent, his moments of overconfidence are just that, moments. The kind of dude who sometimes falls victim to his own hype but is ultimately self-aware enough to not be an arogant pain
It also helps that his egoism is always counterbalanced. Sully can assert himself (sometimes more physical) and knows Mike long enough to just let him grumble afterwards, Roze is completely unfazed by his antics, Randall knows how to tick Mikes boxes and Celia brings both his loveable qualities to the forefront, but is also not afraid to say her opinion to him.
One thing I noticed (whether through a comment or not) is that Mike is never concerned only about himself, but both for himself AND for Sulley, as he's always using the "we/us" pronoun as opposed to "me/I" and "you"
Which just make the line "There's no "we" this time, pal" hit all the harder.
Except for the "I'm on tv/the cover" parts. (unless it was mistranslated)
And with the context of the prequel, it makes even more sense. He and sully build their careers from nothing, they didnt even finish college. He doesnt want their hard work to go to waste because of what at the time, he perceived as a dangerous creature.
@@itap8880 That makes sense, given how he'd only expect them to film Sully, a scarer, and not the door worker.
Nah mike is literally the realest, chillest disney character I've come to be very fond of in my now adult years. Just a regular guy with that one true friend trying to get by in the world. He's funny, loyal, loves his girlfriend, likes his employment. Truly a great character
The fluffy orange monster who gets caught with the "2319" is turned in by his scare assistant. I never really thought about it, but that's basically an example of what Mike could have been. But, even if it had been a white sock, Mike's immediate reaction would have been to hide it to keep Sully safe rather than calling in the authorities.
This needs to be pinned
The name you’re looking for for that fluffy orange monster is “George Sanderson”
Exactly! You pointed out so well. I never thought of it that way, it's great to see these subtle hints the movie makes to make us subconsciously understand while we're not particularly focused on that, now I see
Well who else would pay Sulley’s half of the rent?
As if he wasn't likeable enough already, Monsters University just made Mike even more of a favorite for me. Poor guy went through so much crap in his life to get to where he is now, of course he digs his heels in about losing their job at MI. This job used to be all that he and Sulley ever wanted, it's such emotional whiplash to him that Sulley might suddenly care about something else more.
Same! NGL I never got why people didn’t like Monsters University, I thought it was pretty hilarious and made Sully and Mike even more interesting and proving why their friendship was such a huge factor in the original movie. They’ve been through a lot together and came to understand and respect each other’s skills as a result, making them the perfect team. And despite Mike can seem a bit self serving or selfish, he deep down does care about others like Boo and his fraternity OK and appreciating their individual talents to become successful scarers. I’d argue Monsters University was better than the first one imo, despite I missed Boo and Celia
as an avid Mike Wazowski fan I'm so happy to see someone analyse his character. Yeah he's a shitpost but like...he's an interesting character too
7:46 Monsters University shows us how hard Mike had to work in order to get the job he wanted. And after he learned that he isn’t scary enough. The best he could do was coach Sully on scaring. So you can really understand why he wanted to get rid of Boo in Monsters Inc.
Imagine working your ass off with your best friend and building a successful career even after everyone told you to quit, then your buddy just shows up with a dangerous illegal creature and just goes "yeah no, let's risk everything because I wanna help this thing"
I sympathize with Mike when trying to get rid of that twerpette (And I'm not referring to her by Sullivan's nonsensical nickname.). That furry meat-head made a mistake of becoming attached to her. Kinda wished that Pixar made Randall and Mike heroes (since they got along really well in University) and then Sullivan and Johnny can be evil, working alongside Waternoose, the big bad boss.
@Xiaolin-Loonatic its a child, and her name is boo use it
@@theenderdestruction2362 "it's" a she, use it. If she has a canon name, you'd eat your words through a straw.
@@theenderdestruction2362 "it's" a she, use that, bruh. And if she did have a real name that wasn't Sullivan's pathetic nickname, you'd eat your words through a straw.
The scene where Mike vents in the cave means so much with context of not only the film, but also having seen Monsters University too.
As people have mentioned before, Mike and Sulley are at their best when they work together. They're at the top of their game at the start of the movie when they're working in sync, but when Boo throws their lives out of order and they become at odds with each other, things get worse and worse and really only start working out for them when they start working together again
When you think about it, Mike's negativity isn't exactly unwarranted.
He stood by for Sully and cooperated with him no matter the odds, yet it's clear that, as far as Mike knows, Sully is basically carrying a bystander to his issues. And by the time they're in the Himalayas, Mike's explosion is clearly justified.
If anything, Mike is selfish, but makes solid points as much as Sully.
Personally I think Mike Wazowski is one of the most humblest characters in fiction.
I mean look at the running gag here his face is covered on both the Monsters Inc. commercial and on the magazine cover at the end of the movie. He’s not upset that his image is obscured, he’s just happy to get some sort of recognition.
Disney Plus and the Blu Ray marketing also did this joke by covering Mike. It's comedy genius
0:43, you would though because Sulley covering for Mike leads to him coming across Boo, Randall threatening Mike is what leads to us finding out his plan, Mike is the one who engages the simulator and uses it to expose Waternoose and it’s Mike who (admittedly inadvertently) gives Sulley the laugh energy idea
Thank you, he said that and I was just baffled at how wrong he was. Without Mike, Sully goes home at the end of the day, and Waternoose and Randal start kidnapping children to extract their screams. You would have to do a lot at every pivotal moment of the movie to make the movie happen without Mike.
honestly kinda forgot mike was originally a side character. like whenver i think of anything monsters inc related, he's the main focus
What keeps him likeable, is the fact that you can see through his overconfidence. It’s an act, and it never works.
I think one of the most important factors that allowed Pixar to tell the story of Mike with us still empathizing with him is because he's funny. A lot of the time unlikeable protagonists are played serious or don't land on the humor which ends up making them seem worse than they actually are. But because Mike is consistently funny even when being a bit of a jerk, it's easier for the audience to follow along and eventually see that despite his complaining and sarcastic quips, he does want to do the right thing for his best friend.
His complaining and sarcastic quips made me feel in love with Mike; he makes me laugh because of both.
Subbed for the Pixar’s “biggest eye” cons joke
...actually that was a coincidence. Please don't unsubscribe though.
@@stuartbarron7117 I subbed because if the joke. Then unsubbed because of the unintentional nature of it. Then resubbed because you said please.
Him being imperfect makes him feel more real. Most people have traits we wouldn’t like if we saw it through the lens of a character in a movie/tv show.
Mike is just an EYEcon livin'.
I always thought he was a guy who had to put up a tough front even though he's a huge softie.
Which, ironically, is how Sulley was portrayed in Monsters University
hes not much of a jerk more like fed up with everyone's shit
Usually when the problem is everyone else, it isn’t.
That’s why I find him relatable
And despite being annoyed and complaining, he would still do his job and helping
@@tell-me-a-story-unless it is
@@jonathanwells223
That doesn’t really happen, though.
If you meet a jerk in the morning, you met a jerk.
If you meet jerks all day, your the jerk.
I honestly didn’t really see Mike as much of a jerk when I was a kid. Sure, he’s someone who’s by-the-book, likes things a certain way, and is Sulley’s coach but even if he is a jerk, he is a funny, loyal and brave jerk. One of many things that make him one of my favorite Disney characters
I think what makes Mike's ego more understandable in this movie is the fact that he worked harder than any other Scarer just to even work at Monster's Inc. Honestly after all that effort I think I'd also be annoyed by the chance of it all crumbling down
1:08 iconic. Eye see what you did there
Eyecoic
GET OU
I agree I always saw both movies about each respective character, Mike made more sense being the lead of MU and Sulley was the best main for MI, hope you discuss Sulley after this I enjoy these short analyses
I think many of us are like Mike. Used to living normally. But under danger or peril, only think about self-preservation and their own self. That is until Mike decided to man up Pixar style.
calling him selfish and a jerk is kinda unfair honestly. Mike is pretty much the most wholesome, self-confident and kind. Actually, he's the exact opposite of selfish, since he's pretty much always concerned about Mike before himself
"since he's pretty much always concerned about Mike before himself"
I think you mixed up the names there
I feel like people seem to ignore the fact that my coach such a protagonist role that people seem to forget about. as it was his actions of sending Sully over to pick up his paperwork that let him finding Boo’s door. But Sully wouldn’t have been there had Mike just filed his paperwork like he should’ve.
I always admired Mike’s confidence even when his face gets blocked by something on tv or magazine, he doesn’t let it faze him and is just content with being on there .
It’s also important to remember the divide between what the audience knows vs what the characters in the story know. WE know that children aren’t actually dangerous but in the world of monsters inc, everyone has been taught/conditioned to believe that children are basically living biohazards. He’s basically acting the same way you would if your friend found a live polar bear or a bomb, all you’re thinking is how can we get rid of it as fast as possible without destroying our lives (and that contrast to the fact it IS a little girl is part of the comedy)
Fucking love this movie
Oh so thats how Mike looks like
7:41 Nah, I think it's less that and more that the scare record being a shared goal was symbolic of his friendship with Sully and their partnership
Hey Mike rebuilding the door for his best friend Sully makes him one of the best
Mike is my boy
I think what also makes Mike so likeable is perfect casting as Billy Crystal, he bringing an energetic, charismatic approach to the character just fits his voice perfectly that I can only think of a few actors of the late 90's/early 2000's that would fit that character. Could also be how well he partnered with John Goodman as well
0:47 this easteregg of sulleys face is hilarious 🤣
I just had this exact thought the other day after rewatching the movie, and I'm so ready to hear why it works as good as it does!
This is a really nice treat of a video! A not too long, well written highlighter of a character I really like but don't get to think of too often. Thank you!! ^^
Algorithm is doing you good today!
It certainly is.
Ive been enjoying your videos about MI and MU, and as a crazy mike fan that psychoanalyses every frame he has, i absolutely love how you covered mike’s character in MI.
Typically when they (other video essay creators) only talk about mike’s failure in MU even when he’s so much deeper than that.
I really loved the comparison you did with the scare record and mike’s entire life’s work, its genuinely something ive never thought of but its so obvious and i didnt even think of it. Guess when you hyperanalyse things you just forget about the obvious details lmao
I was Mike at my campus Halloween party this year
My favourite Pixar character of all time.
Mike is essentially that friend who's sometimes an ass but you wouldn't replace for anyone else because you know he's ride or die.
Mike's character is helped in so small part by Billy Crystal's ASTOUNDING performance.
Mike and Sulley balance each other out, keeping each other from giving into their worst traits. Sully keeps Mike from becoming extremely selfish and shows him the value of being kind toward what he's seeing as another soul, Mike keeps Sully from being too reckless and rightfully calls him out for letting Boo become a borderline obsession. Without each other both characters would become awful people in different ways.
Being selfish > Being kind
I think Mike can function without Sullivan. He was close to becoming legit friends with Randall had not for both Sullivan and Johnny.
@@Xiaolin-Loonatic
“Being Selfish > Being Kind”
That tells me everything I need to know about your character.
He can’t though. Neither can Sulley without Mike.
Mike collapses under pressure whenever there’s a conflict around him.
Take when Celia is ready to go to Harryhausen. He struggles to formulate a response to Celia, and has Sulley step into help him out.
Or take when Randall integrates him. The responses his gives to Randall are ridiculous. This isn’t Mike acting dumb, since these are questions he clearly knows and has no reason to act dumb about.
I sorry if this comes off as rude, but do you actually understand Mike and Sulley’s relationship?
@@PrinceAliTheGreatest Like you're a saint yourself, bruh. Now, try to wrap your head around this: if Mike and Randall stayed friends (like in University, friendly reminder), there would be a likely chance Randall would help him, similar fashion as Sullivan, if not as pushy. Then Sully would be the secondary big bad, in cahoots with Waternoose: the big bad boss. Dunno 'bout you, but I believe Randall is better than Sully.
@
It’s not about being a saint. It’s about having human decency.
Not saying you’re wrong, But that isn’t to happen. Nor would likely happen.
Randall’s motivations were different from Mike’s.
Mike wanted to prove himself as a great person. Randall wanted to be accepted, but already had his acceptance In the form of Mike, which he threw away in favor to be with more popular students of MU.
That doesn’t sound like a good friend.
Sulley, a person who’s gone from being a entitled person because of his family, too a selfless person who actually cares for others isn’t better than a person who threatens his own assistant, creates a machine to murder children, and is competely empathetic?
This is trolling, right?
@@PrinceAliTheGreatest Decency gets in a way of a good time. Again, blame Johnny for poorly influencing Randall. You talk a big game for someone with single-digit subscribers. Get lost before you hurt yourself.
One of my favorite Pixar characters
Ok but can we talk about the door in the middle of no where that they went through? No rubble or ruins…
i met sulley when i went 2 disney world with my dad in february but mike wasnt there :( it was my second time there since i was seven in 2002 & i had even more fun than last time but i wish i met mike too :( we’re going back next month
two words:
Billy Crystal
Sub earned for talking about my favorite character.
My science teacher in high school would quote Mike all the time so I have a deep love for the character now.
Also, remember when Randall kidnaps Mike and the latter asks Mike where Boo is, Mike never reveals where Boo is.
Amazing video, i dont usually watch analysis videos but you somehow got me to, new subscriber
The way you make an arrogant selfish prick likeable is to make them arrogant and selfish not just for themselves, but for their friends and allies as well. They dont think theyre better than averyone else, they think that they and their friends are better than everyone else, but they and their friends are all equals. And/or you have them not only willing and accepting of growth and change, but have them embrace it, and want to be a better person. Mike Wazowski, Fabian Seacaster from Dimension 20 Fantasy High, and Regina George from Mean Girls are some good examples of this. Mike doesnt just hype himself up, he hypes up Sully and Celia, Fabian also hypes up the rest of The Bad Kids, and all three embrace and want growth and change.
Reason Sully stays behind to find the Door to do Mike's paper work
I always thought Mike and Timon from The Lion King were similar. They would absolutely hate each other at first because they're too alike. They both have complexity and would probably end up getting along, though.
I didn’t like Mike as a kid, I thought he was a selfish jerk. After watching “Monster’s University”, I realized he wasn’t as selfish, he really spent years with Sully working from the ground up since college. He had a lot to lose.
Another one is when Mike is about to get the scream factor on him he does beg but no point does he say something like the Kid is with Sully
Imagine him in a movie with Donkey from Shrek
Missed opportunity to cover Mike's eyes with the title "A Lovable Jerk" in the thumbnail smh
1:07 EYE-con, you say?
I mean he had his life that didn’t want to ruined and didn’t care about boo
I don't blame him for hating that little twerpette.
I find it hilarious he has a first and last name
Who else thinks Monsters Inc. is the best Pixar movie? Good video btw
Mike is basically the jock
You have an incredibly fantastic voice for RUclips, very pleasant and engaging to listen to
What if I just watched the movie and think about this for myself
Solid analysis!
Your camera is so bright. I don't know if that's just me but it hurts my eye. Maybe it was set in the wrong way or just the exposure just reset itself.
Still, looking away from that nit-picking, you're right and I agree with your statements
I'll try to bear that in mind. Thank you.
It’s cos bro is a bright fella 💡
There’s still more better, lovable jerk than Bloo from Foster’s home for imaginary friends. You went from lovable jerk into being a jerk.
He did teach Sully a valuable lesson. There's more to life than scaring which is what Sully eventually learns at the end of the movie.
What I saw in Mike is that he is a stand-in for the audience - just a fella who’s annoyed that his future is at risk because of some shit
Good one
Yeah while Mike is selfish he's by no means malicious about it. Plus its not like he was trying too sabotage anyone while being selfish
i love u minke was owski
Lore of Why Mike Wazowski is a Selfish, Lovable Character momentum 100
im a mike wazowski luver
Hey Stuart, are you Canadian?
wait, Mike just have 1 eye?
You mean Bob.
So, he's Billy Crystal then?
Mike Wazowski reminds me of _me._
Kind of a douche sometimes, but intelligent, funny, and means well. I take competition seriously. Also, like Mike, most people I interact with seem to like me. Maybe they shouldn't? Meh. It works for me, I'm not going to tell people they shouldn't like me!
I guess Mike is more organised than me, and I'm more self-aware.
Likeable and unlikeable at the same time.
Saying you can remove mike is just insulting and incorrect if you ask me
Kinda the same reason why Marlin isn't hated: relatability.
We have to remember that Marlin saw the aftermath of his wife and all their other children outside of Nemo eaten by a barracuda, with Nemo surviving only to have his egg damaged resulting in his tiny fin. So right out of the beginning, we as the audience understand why he's overprotective of Nemo beyond his disability, he's the last thing he has for a family.
@@randomscb-40charger78 Without the beginning scene, Marlin is just an asshole.
💯
In high school, I used to think Mike Wazowski was just an annoying character in Monsters Inc, but liked him in Monsters University.
But then after covid, I told myself… What the hell was wrong with you. That’s the point. He’s freaking hilarious in Monsters Inc, him being annoying to Roz and Randell was just the butt of the joke. That’s why he’s so lovable. Heck, Monsters U pretty much enhances Mike as a character. You could see why he acts selfish in Monsters Inc when he did act selfish in MU.
I can relate to Mike more. I was with him in hating the little twerpette James foolishly became attached to (And I refuse to refer to what he named her.). Humans and Monsters/Supernatural Entities aren't meant to be friends. Another thing is that I would rather have Mike and Randall be the heroic duo, since they got along really well in "University" until James and Johnny both ruined that, giving Randall an unneeded antagonist role in "Inc". Though, to Randall's credit, his grudge against James and hatred for humans (Which all monsters and supernatural entities are supposed to have.) are warranted, so, Boggs gets my sympathy.
The problem with Randall is that he’s all of Mike’s bad qualities, amplified.
Mike cares for Sulley, but is also selfish and egotistical. Randall IS selfish and egotistical and cares about nobody.
He chose to be an actual jerk by humiliating Oozma Kappa at Roar Omega Roar’s party. He choose to treat his scare assistant Fungus like crap, he choose harm an innocent little girl. His hatred isn’t justified what so ever.
Monsters and Supernatral entities are fictional. The monsters in Monsters, Inc are sentient and capable as humans, and have morality and ethics, such as shown with Sullivan and Mike, and even Mike’s girlfriend.
It’s like that quote in Wreck-It-Ralph. Being a bad guy, doesn’t meant you’re a ‘bad’ guy.
Because you’re a monster, doesn’t mean you’re a ‘monster’. I think you missed the point in that.
Also, Mike doesn’t hate Boo. He hates the fact that she’s in the way of Sulley and Mike’s life.
Sulley can’t grow attached to someone he cares about? Sulley isn’t a monster in a figurative sense. Only a literally sense, so what does it matter if he grows an attachment to a child?
@@PrinceAliTheGreatest You don't know when to quit, AliTheSoftie (Nor stick your comments into others business; do us a favor and stay out, Fool.)?
Need I remind you that Johnny is the living drug that made Randall what he is: a formerly nice monster until he manipulated Randall into what he is (The only difference between he and Randall is that he's got charisma.). And yes, his hatred is justified, and I won't hear otherwise from the likes of you, bruh. Keep Humans away from Supernaturals; for both sides sakes.
And on that note, Mike's reasoning for not liking the little Flim-Flam pig-tailed blackhead is justified, too. His asinine attachment did get in the way.
@
This isn’t your comment section.
It’s neither your business to respond to someone’s comment, yet you’re fine responding to the OC’s comment like it’s nothing.
You’re trying to dodge discourse with someone who disagrees with you.
I can very much well comment when I want, and where I want on whomever’s comment.
If you don’t like that, that’s not my problem, and I’m sorry if that’s an issue you take from me commenting.
I’ve already explained why Worthington isn’t an excuse for Randall to be a jerk. You decide to be a jerk, nobody forced you too. You’re trying to paint Randall in a sympathetic light than what he actually is, when every decision he’s ever made has been his choice to make.
Mike could’ve easily ratted Sulley out to the police to save himself, but he didn’t. Why? Because he’s not a selfish person who cares about themselves. He cares about Sully.
That’s the end of that argument, and saying otherwise is false.
Why can’t humans and supernaturals be friends? Could you further elaborate on this, please?
What’s wrong with me being a friend’s with a ghost or a gigantic blue-furred and purple polkadoted bear-lion hybrid?
Sulley literally apologizes for having Boo in the way of their lives and even getting banished.
Also, if Mike hates Boo, then why did he say in the scene when he’s explaining to Waternoose Randall’s evil plot, and said
“And he was gonna test it out on that sweet little girl”.
Yeah, that totally sounds like he hates Boo, right?
@@PrinceAliTheGreatest Look who's typing; anyone who dare to disagree with you, you give a short paragraph on why Randall sucks for asinine reasons. For the record, I know it's not my comment section, bruh.
And I read a lot of horror novels and seen horror movies on why humans and supernaturals don't mix (Aliens get a pass.). And... I worry you might derail their supernatural self-respect if you befriend something as deadly and scary as a ghost, hybrid, let alone a vampire or the Grim Reaper. Which is why Natural and Supernatural should stay separate; like Church and State.
Eh, you may have a point, Randall might've done the same to an innocent little boy, but Mike really hates Sully's bond for her, getting in the way of their priorities, 24/7. Again, not blaming him. And once Waternoose was in on Randall's plan, then he's back to loathing the twerpette, again, not blaming him.
🤓