Pixar has once again crafted a truly magical journey through a fantastical land full of brightly-colored creations and comical explorers. Playful humor and bouts of heartfelt poignancy combine with quite a bit of unexpected adventure to produce a film that will easily appeal to minds both young and old, and those that have never forgotten the allure of chasing dreams.
Ever since he was a young boy, Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner) has craved the excitement and adventure of exploration - a passion shared by his childhood friend and sweetheart, Ellie. After marrying, the couple always planned to travel to a remote paradise deep within South America, but continual setbacks forever delayed their journey. Now, at the age of 78, Carl is finally able to fulfill his lifelong dream, and in a daring flight he takes to the skies in his balloon-lifted house. But his adventure has only just begun...
With Pixar's unbelievably successful track record, it's considerably more impressive seeing their films continue to be of such a high caliber, general appeal and repeat-viewing sensibility. Up is one of the most enjoyable and entertaining of Pixar's films, and one of the best the computer animated film genre has to offer. With an unlikely set of heroes, hopelessly romantic fantasy, suspenseful action, a beautiful score and a completely outlandish, unique plot, Up captures the spirit of adventure wholeheartedly.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Up, as with most of Pixar's films, is the blend of lighthearted comedy with insight and sentiment. There's plenty of comic relief, but the heavier "growing old" montage at the beginning and the later meaningful fulfillment of dreams and sacrifices for grander causes creates a deeper, satisfying resonance. The simple repetition of significant actions, such as tying a letter to a balloon, making promises by crossing the heart or toying with a grape soda pin (and even the idiosyncratic straightening of a bird figurine) suggests heartbreaking affectivity that further deepens the classical romance that fuels Carl's motives for adventure. Up is a film with something for everyone and definitely worthy of repeat viewings.
- The Massie TwinsGet more detail about Up (4 Disc Combo Pack with Digital Copy and DVD) [Blu-ray].
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