UP

Pixar is one of my favorite animation houses, right behind its parent company Disney. It might sound like I am a bit biased but believe me that I critique every film on its merit. A lot of other animation companies have some great films in their libraries i.e Dreamworks Shrek and Kung Fu Panda or Blue Sky Studios' Horton Hears a Who and Ice Age.


That said, UP is a phenomenal achievement in filmmaking. This is Pixars first 3-D film and unlike this year’s big Dreamworks hit, Monsters vs Aliens, Up doesn’t exploit the 3D effects. What Pixar did was enhance the scope of the movie. It was like looking out your window as opposed to things jumping out of the screen. It allowed depth to take over, so when you are viewing the jungles of Venezuela, you are immersed in them.

Beyond the technical achievements, it’s the story that really delivers. Carl is a widowed old man who has disconnected himself from society. The world has grown around him and his only constant is the home he built with his late wife, Ellie. This part of the film is heavy for some people. We get to see how Carl and Ellie lived their lives up until her quiet end. I was in tears and the theater was silent during this part. Many animated films have shown death and loss of life in different ways but none so deeply emotional as this one (except maybe Bambi’s mother or Simbaa asking Mufasa to wake up after the stampede). Once we see who Carl is, he sets out for a wild adventure that includes Russell, the young wilderness explorer whose enthusiasm grows on Carl’s grumpy nature.


The story is involving with colorful characters. There is a lot of laugh out loud moments for me. The introduction of the dogs is hilarious. The humor is executed with perfect timing and balance nicely to heartfelt scenes. Ed Asner’s voice work is tangible and sincere. Newcomer, Jordan Nagai voices Russell and does it very well. He gets some of the best lines in the movie. Director Pete Docter (Monsters Inc.) and Co-director Bob Peterson do a great job of keeping the story moving and still allowing the audience to take in its grandeur. Pixar movies prove to be the best in the industry and they have maintained that reputation with UP. Next year, Toy Story 3! Can’t wait. My Grade: A