Review: Up (2009)

Directors: Pete Docter (Monsters Inc.), Bob Peterson

Cast: Edward Asner (Mary Tyler Moore, Lou Grant), Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer (The Insider), Bob Peterson (Finding Nemo, The Incredibles), Delroy Lindo (Gone in Sixty Seconds)

The Deal: After his wife's death, Carl Fredricksen (Asner) struggles to cope with the loss of the love of his life. Determined to fulfill their life long dream of traveling to Paradise Falls in South America, Carl ties thousands of balloons to his house and takes off on his adventure. Russell (Nagai), a Wilderness Scout determined to get his Assisting the Elderly badge, happened to be on the porch at take off, and joins Carl. Upon finally reaching Paradise Falls, two two discover a rare bird that Carl's childhood hero, Charles Muntz (Plummer), has spent his entire life searching for. Not so happy about possibly losing the discovery, Muntz does whatever he can to dispose of Carl and Russell, but they make an unlikely friend in Dug, one of Muntz's many dogs.

Thoughts: Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Wall-E, and now Up. It's become quite clear that Pixar is in the business of solely making outstanding films, and Up may arguably be the best, which is a very lofty statement. That subject could be debated for ages, but I just want to impress upon you how good this was. Up has action, adventure, humor, emotion, and an oh so endearing story. The film's weakest moments were still incredibly enjoyable, and the opening montage of Carl's life left very few dry eyes in the theater. It is a film for everyone, but adults will have an additional appreciation for it due to its commentary on life and love.

The voiceover work was superb, as anyone who's ever seen a Pixar film would come to expect. Edward Asner IS Carl Fredricksen, and the development of his character through the film ranges over every emotion perfectly. Jordan Nagai was absolutely hysterical as Russell, and he was a little kid over his head in every way on this adventure, but you love every minute of him. The only thing I was slightly weary about going in was Dug. Worried about the idea of talking dogs, Bob Peterson did a wonderful job at vanquishing those fears. What could have been a very annoying character became the center of a surplus of hilarious moments, especially for anyone who's ever owned a dog and knows their little quirks. Plummer was quite menacing in the villainous role.

The visuals in the film were beautiful, and some of the best Pixar has created. They were colorful and crisp, specifically, I loved the look of the house with all of the balloons. I loved Russell in the film. Like I mentioned before, he was very much a little kid. After walking for hours, he complains about his knees hurting, and when Carl's asks him what the deal is, Russell just responds with "my elbow hurts." Parents will laugh a lot at this, as they most likely know all too well how kids only seem to complain. Despite it being in the trailer, when Russell was dragged across the glass of Muntz's airship, it was still absolutely hysterical. It just kept going and going, and the looks on both character's faces were priceless.

If I had one beef with the film, it was relating to the dogs. I was surprised how well the talking idea played out, as it was funny 95% of the time, but I really didn't care for them flying airplanes. It was an unnecessary moment and provided the most cheesy bit, one that most likely only the little kids will really enjoy. The scene doesn't steal away from the film in any way though, and is irrelevant in the grand picture. Up will be remembered for a very long while, and deservingly so.

Verdict: A wonderful animated picture that will awe the entire audience. It is enjoyable from start to finish, and is the best Pixar film since Finding Nemo, which says a whole lot. ☆☆☆☆1/2