UP, the most recent release of Pixar, is a wonderful family film. My husband, 12-year old daughter, 4-year old daughter, and I all loved it. From the wee one, "Mommy, this is a great movie." In my eyes, there is no better endorsement.
The plot of UP is original, funny, sentimental, and warm, perfect for a cozy family outing. In UP, we meet Carl Fredericksen (voice by Ed Asner) as a timid young boy who longs for adventure. Carl soon meets Ellie (voiced by Ellie Docter), a young girl who shares his passion for adventure, and who is fearless. This chance encounter leads to a life-long partnership, marriage, and true love. The opening vignette treats us to flashes of Carl and Ellie's life together: the happiness, the tears, and finally, Ellie's death. And through it all, Carl and Ellie maintain their love of adventure and of each other.
But now, Carl is alone with his memories of Ellie and the knowledge that they never took their promised dream trip to Paradise Falls in South America, following in the footsteps of their beloved adventurer-hero, Charles Muntz (voiced Christopher Plummer). When land-grabbing officials try to send Carl to Shady Oaks Retirement Home as a menace to society, he attaches thousands of helium balloons to his house and flys away to South America, house and all.
But Carl soon discovers that he has a stowaway on his front porch. Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai) is a persistent (make that annoying) Wilderness Explorer Scout who is determined to earn his "Elderly Assistance Badge," whether Carl wants his help or not. Against all odds, this unlikely duo finally reaches Paradise Falls, where they find much more than they expected - explorer Charles Muntz, who is still alive, crazy, and fixated on clearing his name; Kevin, a rare and colorful bird with a love of chocolate; and Dug (voice by Bob Peterson), a loveable canine fitted with a voice box. Dug is wonderfully written; you can truly believe that you are hearing what goes on inside any dog's head...SQUIRREL!!!! Throughout their myriad of adventures, the old man and the young boy discover they need each other, and that friendship is all the adventure they need.
UP is beautifully directed, gorgeously animated, and superbly told. Full of humor and emotion, it is a multilayered film, with meaning for any age. You will laugh and cry as this touching, poignant story unfolds. UP reminds us that love is the grandest adventure of all. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
BTW, the animated short "PARTLY CLOUDY," which preceeds UP, is endearing, sweet, and a wonderful addition to the Pixar Shorts family.
Get more detail about Up (4 Disc Combo Pack with Digital Copy and DVD) [Blu-ray].
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