Disney-Pixar's "Up" Movie Review
Last Updated (Sunday, 31 May 2009 16:59) Written by Michelle Thursday, 30 April 2009 23:05
Disney-Pixar movie review: "Up"
Opened in theaters May 29
To call "Up" a heartwarming tale would be to use a phrase which has certainly been over-used to the extent it is no longer meaningful. "Up" is a wonderful movie, maybe even this movie-goer's favorite movie ever. It has an exceptional story, with elements of love, adventure, friendship and villainy. The animation, as we always get from Pixar, is incredible and the scenery is beautifully done. The details are "done right" down to the stubble which forms on Mr. Fredricksen's face part way through the movie.
Even the character development is beyond what we normally see in an animated movie. We grow to love Carl Fredricksen as we watch the adventure he takes on to honor a lifelong dream he shared with his wife and lifelong friend, Ellie. Russell is OK as a character, but he certainly is second fiddle to Carl's rich character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and would recommend this for literally any age group. It may seem like a kid's movie, but there so many elements which appeal to adults that it should not be missed by anyone. There is cross-generational humor here, that is not just an embedded joke that only adults would get.
We get a new villain in this movie: I won't spoil it here, but he may be added to the Disney Villains Hall of fame.
The Story:
Up” leads us on the adventures of balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen and his inadvertent stowaway, Russell the Wilderness Explorer, as they journey through the jungles of South America. Carl has been planning this adventure for years, when he is forced to move his house out of the way of progress. Russell becomes part of the trip after he gets stuck on Carl's porch right as Carl lifts off, powered by thousands of helium balloons.
The four main characters in the movie are Carl, Russell, Dug the dog (who has a collar gizmo that allows him to communicate) and Kevin the prehistoric bird.
The movie contains spectacular scenery of the Amazonian Tepuis, large mesas that rise from the jungle floor in the wilds of south america. The animation is flawless, nothing less than we would expect from Disney-Pixar.
If I had 5 stars to give, I would give them all to "Up". See it in 3D if you have a chance.
“You will be able to see "Up" in digital 3D in select theaters. This is one big movie, it will be quite a treat to see it in 3D.
