Up Review

Posted by Chad Webb on 06.01.2009

Another homerun for Pixar.

Featuring the Voices of:
Ed Asner: Carl Fredricksen
Christopher Plummer: Charles Muntz
Jordan Nagai: Russell
Bob Peterson: Dug, Alpha
Directed By: Peter Docter and Bob Peterson
Written By: Bob Peterson
Release Date: May 29, 2009
Running Time: 96 minutes







Rated PG for some peril and action.

As I was watching Pixar’s new film Up, I took joy in the fact that the theater was filled with just as many adults without children, as there was parents with kids of their own. Granted, I attended a later showing, so this is to be expected, but it speaks volumes about a company whose appeal is limitless, and whose reach extends to any and every age group. Up is another masterpiece from Pixar. It is one of the most enjoyable moviegoing experiences of the year.

We first encounter Carl Fredricksen (voice of Ed Asner) as a boy who dreams of adventure, and meets his eternal soulmate Ellie when they are both young and full of life. They spend the rest of their life together, always clinging to the hope of traveling to Paradise Falls, a place in South America that a childhood hero of theirs purported to have gone to. Sadly, Carl’s wife passes away, and the development where their house resides is being torn down due to construction. As a balloon salesman, Carl decides that rather than be taken away to a rest home, he will use every balloon he find, and turn his house into something that can fly and explore the world high above the problems below. As his first flight commences, Carl hears a knock at the door. A young wilderness scout named Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai) was caught on Mr. Fredricksen’s porch when his house went up. Together, they embark on an exciting adventure where they meet strange new creatures, and come face to face with danger.

The detail of Up, similar to most Pixar efforts, is simply astounding. Take for instance the balloons on top of the house. When viewed from afar, one can look closely and see each of them moving. They have all been given consideration. When the house bumps things, or comes to a situation where it becomes affected by the natural course of nature, the balloons pop, as they should. Just the house itself suggests the aim Director’s Peter Docter and Bob Petersonv were striving for. Up is an animated wonder with refreshing realism that never loses its sense of magic.

The opening section of Up is some truly affecting storytelling, for animation or live-action. Carl’s marriage to Ellie, what brought him to this point, and how certain events have shaped his attitude, is handled with a gentle touch of poignancy. It is through dramatic sequences such as this that Up starts to take risks, wonderful ones I might add, that give it an identity distinct from previous films of the company. Another chance taken involves blood. It surfaces in at least two important scenes, and whenever that red appears, it means the mood has shifted to serious. Even young children who are watching will see the blood and understand what it means to the characters. It would be the same for them, if they fell and skinned a knee or and elbow.

The voice cast is exemplary as usual. As the lead of 78 year-old Carl Fredricksen, Ed Asner was selected, and he is outstanding. The grumpiness he has attained at his age is not hard to accept because of what he has endured, and Asner was ideal for those groans and growls. Jordan Nagai is responsible for one of the most memorable Pixar characters to date as Russell, the young scout trying to get his last badge for assisting the elderly. His story is equally as heartbreaking as Carl’s, and they make a great duo. Both are searching for a way to enjoy life, just at different ages. To further prove the attention to detail, watch as Russell reads. He is a kid after all, so he must concentrate and examine the words closely. He supplies some of the most side-splitting moments.

Up has been labeled as Pixar’s funniest film to date, and it’s hard to argue with that, though I would say those comments are being used because the comedy here induces almost entirely laugh out loud reactions. Most Pixar films are funny, but sometimes the joke might make us smile instead if burst out with laughter, which is perfectly fine. A few of the reasons are the hilarious new characters that are introduced. I could rattle on for paragraphs on the numerous scenes that made me crack up. Kevin is a large tropical looking bird that is extremely rare. It likes chocolate and follows Carl and Russell around loyally. They also meet Dug, one of many dogs at Paradise Falls that possess collars enabling them to talk. Dug is a bit of an outcast from his mean group, but affable and hysterical.

Initially, I thought Up was going to be an Around the World in 80 Days type of story. Thankfully it is not. The story is unpredictable, rousing, and moving. The score from Michael Giacchino is terrific. The CGI paints humorously exaggerated faces that are unforgettable. Up has a villain of course, but this foe seems to have reached the level of bad guy more organically than many like him. Most studios would have settled for a cartoonish cliché. Maybe it is because the audience knows how the years have treated him, but he is just trying to salvage his reputation, and will let nothing or no one stand in his way. I mean, come on, he has had time to stew.

The streak of Pixar continues to grow more amazing with each feature. I can only imagine how overblown the response would be if they suddenly delivered a dud. The public and critics tend to exaggerate reactions to films that are slightly inferior after following a line of classics. Let us recall Cars, which is described by many as the only Pixar film they don’t like, though it is still magnificent. Luckily we do not have to worry about the Pixar streak ending just yet. Up is a monumental achievement that takes gambles, stirs emotions, and raises the energy level. I also find that it urges kids to get outside and explore the world, which is a valuable lesson in this TV obsessed culture.

The 411: I wrote this review while recovering from Appendix surgery. I didn’t have time to write my weekly news report, but I knew I had to write about this movie. It was heartfelt and profound enough that I had to spread the word no matter what pain I am in. Do yourself a favor and go see this film. Pixar’s Up is a masterful piece of cinema from start to finish, and Partly Cloudy makes a nice short to lead us in. In that story, Pixar causes viewers, in a few short minutes, to feel for a cloud and a stork. That is talent. Peter Docter, Bob Peterson, and the rest of crew deserve a hearty congratulations for this movie. I might even see it again when I can make it out of the house.

Final Score:  10.0   [ Virtually Perfect ]