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Is it worth $10? Yes
“Up” is the first Disney-Pixar film in 3-D, and it looks marvelous. Seeing an aerial view on a conventional movie screen is one thing, but seeing it in the depth of 3-D and feeling like you’re soaring through the air is another. Of course some theaters are showing “Up” in traditional 2-D, but to see it that way would be to miss a spectacular visual experience.
The story has action, sweetness and sentiment, but it isn’t among Disney-Pixar’s greatest collaborations (the “Toy Story” movies, “Finding Nemo”). Naturally, director Pete Docter’s (“Monsters, Inc.”) film is fine for kids (ages five and up) and parents alike. But this time the main character is slanted toward an older crowd – a much older crowd.
Carl Fredricksen (voice of Ed Asner) is 78 years young, and he’s every bit as cantankerous as one might expect. After a very sweet montage of he and his wife Ellie growing old together, Ellie dies and Carl is left alone. With a developer threatening to take his home away, Carl ties scores of helium-filled balloons to his house and soars away to Paradise Falls in South America.
Little does he know that an eight year-old Wilderness Explorer (think Boy Scouts) named Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai) is also on board, giving him company when he wants none. Tall buildings, inclement weather and high mountains make the trip a grand adventure, and when they land in Paradise Falls they’re on the wrong side of the mountain.
Carl’s journey of self-discovery begins as he and Russell trek across the plateau to a beatific waterfall, where Carl plans to live out his waning days in the comfort of his own home. The journey includes Carl befriending a dog named Dug (voice of Bob Peterson), whose voice box will be the highlight of the movie for many, and meeting famed explorer Charles Muntz (voice of Christopher Plummer), Carl’s childhood hero who many presumed was dead.
Parents should take note that the movie is rated PG, and a lot of the in-flight sequences are quite harrowing in 3-D. On more than one occasion characters are dangling from the house while grasping a garden hose, and the aerial shots that look down from the sky – while very impressive – also may be scary for impressionable youngsters. And although Carl’s storyline is endearing, the motivation for the villain is weak and the finale is a bit contrived and silly.
Still, largely due to Asner’s experienced voice leading the way, the movie is a winner. Pixar has released nine of the 25 top-grossing animated films of all time in the United States, and all nine were No. 1 at the box office on their opening weekends. “Up” will be no different, and deservedly so.
Did you know? John Ratzenberger (Cliff from “Cheers”) is the voice of Construction Foreman Tom. He is the only actor to voice a character in all 10 Disney-Pixar films, and he will return next summer as Hamm the Piggy Bank in “Toy Story 3.”
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tlm
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... "Up" was a very beautiful movie. Lots of fun with Kevin and Russell. It was allover fun. I loved the colors. The antics. The scenery. It makes you feel every emotion. A beautiful love story between Carl & Ellie. The happiest of endings with Carl enjoying time spent with Russell. |
TenDeuChen
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... Up is my favorite animated movie from the last few years because of its amazing story. In the first 10 mins, the movie tells the story of a life shared between two people that is very touching and emotional. Then in the next section, when Carl decides to finally take that adventure he had wanted to his entire life it is interesting to see the new landscape that he eventually lands in. Then there's a lot of comedy, action, adventure and a heartwarming ending that makes this movie fun to watch and very enjoyable. That's why it's my favorite animated movie of the past few years. |
Sweetmil85
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... Once I finally saw this movie I realized how great it is. It is the first animated movie that made my eyes watery within the first ten minutes. Even though the old man is old and crabby you understand where he is coming from and can identify with his sadness. |
Jpwonder
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... I saw the movie Up and really enjoyed it. It reminded me of when I was young. I love ballons and used to be afraid that if I had too many at once that it would pick me up and I would float away. I always wondered if they put enough ballons together could it really pick up a house, so to see it really happen. I really enjoyed the movie. |
Shawn Chapman
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... In the past few years I have seen few animated movies, but Up ranks at the top. It has a good story and doesn't try to hard to be funny. Therefore, it makes a nice and enjoyable animated movie. If someone is looking for a good animated family movie to watch, this is one of the best. |
ErikaOfAmerica1
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... I love this movie soooo much. I can't even get through 10 minutes without crying. |
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