Up (May 29, 2009)

Up is notable for a few reasons. First, it was Pixar’s first film to be presented in Disney Digital 3-D. Secondly it opened the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first animated and 3-D film to do so, and thirdly, it was nominated for Best Picture (while it won Best Animated Feature) which made It the second animated film in history to receive that nomination, following Beauty and the Beast (1991). The film centers on an elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen and an earnest boy and proud wilderness scout named Russell. By tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets out to fulfill his dream to see the wilds of South America and complete a promise made to his late wife, Ellie. The movie begins with a bittersweet reverie of Carl’s relationship with Ellie, ending with his dreary present-day existence as he lives out his days alone with Ellie gone. In a short timeframe, I was able to connect deeply with Carl and mourn alongside him with the passing of his beloved. Next, the scene where Carl first sets off on the journey to Paradise Falls in South America (which was modeled after Venezuela), his house lifting off with the help of thousands of balloons, is wonderous and is accompanied by a moving score, composed by Michael Giacchino- who also scored the wonderful Ratatouille, that elevates this emotional and moving moment to iconic status. It may not be possible to life up your house with balloons, but the movie makes you believe you can. The adventure throughout the wilds of South America is intense and captivating as the movie invites you into this exotic world alongside our intrepid protagonists. We fear for them and cheer them on in their quest. Moving on to the characters, Carl is a crotchety old man who, slowly, develops a soft spot for the loquacious and eager Russel. Their relationship is the core of the film (while Carl’s past relationship with Ellie is its driving force) and it is brilliant executed. Additionally characters including the lovable Dug, a dog who can talk through the help of a communicator, who is everything you expect in ‘man’s best friend’- Loyal, simple-minded, brave, curious, and kind; he is the best boy, and Kevin, a tall, colorful, and odd bird whom takes a liking to Russel. Kevin is being hunted by the antagonist of this story, Charles F. Muntz, a renowned explorer who vowed to bring back Kevin to the US in order to prove its existence. He also happens to be the lifelong hero of Carl and Ellie, the person who inspired his journey to Paradise Falls. Muntz controls a large pack of dogs who obediently do his bidding, and who provide much of the comic relief throughout the film. Overall, this film is flawless. It tells a compelling love story (tears were shed multiple times!) and mentorship all wrapped up in an exotic adventure filled with thrills and chills. I cannot recommend this film enough as, dare I say it, I believe it is Pixar’s best film to date.

Final Rating: 10/10