Rating of
4/4
Pixar Still Looking Up to Me
Chris Kavan - wrote on 06/17/09
(This review is for the standard 2D version of the film)
The great thing about Pixar is that they stick with original stories. Like Wall-E last year, I didn't know what to expect out of Up. The premise sounded interesting, but I wondered how the whole thing was going to come together. Luckily, like Wall-E last year, Pixar once again proves they are at the top of their game and that animation isn't just for kids.
Up starts off with probably the best animation sequence out of any of their films - I'm talking about a slideshow presentation of the life and times of Carl and Ellie Fredricksen that manages to be both informative and touching. It's like an entire mini-movie on its own, and it's a wonderful way to open the film.
After that, we're introduced to what appears to be a typical grumpy old man (voiced perfectly by veteran Ed Asner) and his daily life - which is not so mundane as it appears once we find his house surrounded by an enormous construction project. Something goes wrong and it appears our hero is headed for an unwanted stay at a retirement village. He's also being pestered by a chubby Wilderness Explorer scout who needs one more badge (assisting the elderly) to make it to the top level of his group. Naturally, he sends the lad on a snipe hunt.
Then Up really takes off... literally. The colors are amazing - everything is vibrant and clear as Carl makes his way towards South America in a floating house. This is the trip is always promised his wife but never got around too and he's finally making good on his word. Too bad he has a stowaway on board - our scout slipped in unnoticed, and it's a good thing too, as he provides most of the comic relief.
So now we have a variety on the buddy picture - grumpy old man and precocious little boy. But that's not good enough, so later we'll throw in some talking dogs and a female bird named "Kevin". The South American journey is successful - and it looks gorgeous down in Paradise Falls - Pixar is getting everything down pat when it comes to animating water, shadows and the like.
Our heroes get caught up in an adventure starring many more talking dogs, a vindictive adventurer and their friendly bird Kevin. There's a lot of fun to be had and it ends as it begins - with a slide show that sums up everything in just the right way. As Pixar films go, this is one of the more emotional adventures. It has some powerful moments - and the villain is as bad as they come in these movies. I think the kids will like this, but adults will probably get more out of this one.
All in all, another spectacular showing by Pixar. As long as the original ideas keep flowing, I think the hits will keep coming.
