Movie Review - “Up”
*** 1/2 STARS
From Disney-Pixar comes “Up,” a comedy adventure about 78-year-old widowed balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to “Paradise Falls” in South America. What he doesn’t know is that an overly optimistic eight-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell has accidently hitched a ride while hiding on his porch. The pair ends up going on the adventure of a lifetime encountering wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures.
Pixar’s 10th animated film is a near masterpiece, a beautiful film in every sense of the word. This whimsical and touching film is superb in setting up its characters with well timed physical comedy and sincere human emotions. At its core “Up” is a poignantly romantic film that lingers in your memory long after seeing it. The 3D presentation gives this movie a surprisingly real boost, but the real special effect is how Pixar is able to combine complex adult emotions with imaginative storytelling.
“Up” is a throwback to old-school Disney storytelling, which I think is great. It is that rare cartoon that makes audiences howl with laughter one minute and wipe away tears the next. Besides it’s emotional depth this movie has some of the best animated landscapes I have ever seen on the big screen. I’m going to go a little over the top and say that I think “Up” will get a nomination for Best Picture and also Best Screenplay. Yes, it will probably be nominated for Best Animated Feature, and like every other Pixar movie, it will win.
“Up” tells a story that is both funny and tender; conveying a sentiment that our connection with others is what makes life meaningful. As with many of the Pixar films, the story of “Up” can be interpreted on different levels. Little children will enjoy the talking animals and vibrant colors but most adults and slightly older kids will go through a wave of emotions. “Up” is a perfect family film that makes you feel like you are floating on helium with pure joy as you leave the theater. I have tremendous respect for what the makers of this movie have done in creating something so exciting to watch and something that also beats with a real heart. “Up” pulls you through practically every emotion available and it will leave you in sweet contentment long after you have seen it.
Leave a Reply