Up, 2009, Review of Pixar`s Heart-Warming Story

Featuring the voices of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai

May 28, 2009

Pixar has raised the bar for animated films yet again with this story of a curmudgeonly old widower who uproots his life to pursue a lifelong dream.

Audiences looking for an entertaining family film won't be disappointed by the latest release from the brilliant minds over at Pixar.

If only we could all tie thousands of balloons to our homes and float away to a world of excitement and adventure. Although when 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) does it, he gets a little more than he bargained for. In particular, an overly optimistic 8-year-old stowaway named Russell (Jordan Nagai). The two float away to South America where Carl hopes to find his childhood hero, adventurer Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), and fulfill a dream he shared with his late wife, Ellie. However, what Carl finds isn’t what he expected.

Up is a touching odd-couple style story that explores what can happen when dreams deferred become dreams fulfilled. Sweet, but not too syrupy, Up is another Disney/Pixar movie that doesn’t rely on its stunning visuals (and they are indeed stunning). It’s a beautifully written story full of adventure, strong characters, and enough humor to keep kids and adults entertained.

One of the most touching scenes in the film is a dialogue-free montage of Carl and Ellie’s life together; a life that has tragically ended with Ellie’s death. Like many animated films of the past, Up contains heart-wrenching moments that will make audiences want to cry (remember Bambi’s mom, or Simba’s dad?). What’s great about this scene is that the audience learns what has made the curmudgeonly man so curmudgeonly. Despite Carl’s unpleasant demeanor, audiences sympathize with and understand him.

Pixar Takes a Risk With an Elderly Star

Not too many films have a 78-year-old man as their star, let alone a very grouchy one. Nor is the secondary star a pudgy 8-year-old (whose body bears a striking resemblance to the very balloons that make the story possible). A bold move by the filmmakers who have clearly not bowed down to the trends imposed by Hollywood. And thank God they didn’t. The audience is constantly reminded of the young boy that exists within the old man. Quite touching really.

Up is another triumph for the studio that keeps getting better with age. While some are better than others, at this point it seems doubtful that the geniuses over at Pixar could possibly make a bad movie. The company that redefined the animation genre has done it again. Up is funny, sad, sweet, and yes, uplifting.

The copyright of the article Up, 2009, Review of Pixar`s Heart-Warming Story in Hollywood Animated Films is owned by Lauren Flanagan. Permission to republish Up, 2009, Review of Pixar`s Heart-Warming Story in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.