Review: Up

2 weeks ago I was fortunate enough to see Up 15 days before it was released, however not in 3D, but I’d bet my money that no one does it better than Pixar.

Up is the 10th film in the Pixar cannon and it extends the studio’s streak of brilliance. The film, directed by Monster’s Inc. helmer Pete Docter, tells the story of a former balloon salesman named Carl Fredrickson and his adventure to fulfill his late wife’s dream that they never were able to fulfill together. Of course this is done in a wonderous fashion as he uses thousands of balloons to lift his house and travel to South America. Unbeknownst to him a young boy scout is along for the ride and he must now take care of a child for the first time along with this wild adventure.

The best way I can describe this film is a wonderful mixture of great storytelling, humor, and a lot more emotion than is accustomed to most Pixar films. The parts with Carl and his wife are the best parts of the movie and I can honestly say this was one of the maybe three films to ever make me cry. That said, I wouldn’t say its a very sad film, just full of emotion. That emotion is later carried to Carl’s relationship that develops between him and the boy scout, Russell, which works as a pseudo father/son story.

Despite all of that, Up is one of the funniest Pixar films and the auxillary characters compliment the main characters and provide enjoyable scenes for young and old audiences. I would say the “villian” character is a bit hackneyed, but with the story they were trying to tell, it’s probably the best they could do. Also, the movie asks the watcher to suspend belief a little with the balloon house and Carl’s unbelievable strength. As someone who points out these illogical elements in storytelling, maybe I notice it more and hopefully you don’t let it bother you.

Up tells a fantastic tale about life and the importance of relationships for young and old people and the storytelling is exactly what you expect from a Pixar film.

Grade: A or ★★★★ ½ (Out of 5)