It might surprise you that when you cross a crotchety, old man, an exuberant Wilderness Explorer and several thousand balloons, you get movie gold. But that's what Disney/Pixar's newest film "Up" is.
Both humorous and touching, "Up" is the first Disney/Pixar movie to focus on regular humans. And it doesn't miss a beat. "Up" touches on some serious issues, and unlike "Wall-E," it's more of an emotional film rather than a social commentary.
The film focuses on Carl Fredericksen, a cranky, old balloon salesman, and youthful, exuberant Wilderness Explorer Russell, who will stop at nothing to get his Explorer Badge for assisting the elderly.
The movie opens with a young Carl watching a movie about legendary explorer Charles Muntz. Carl idolizes Muntz and longs to go on grand adventures. Carl's love of Muntz leads him to Ellie, a young girl with a similar love of Muntz. What follows is a wonderful piece of filmmaking.
A beautiful montage shows Carl and Ellie falling in love, getting married and growing old together. It is both touching and heartbreaking, filled with the ups and downs of life. The montage is subtle and moving. It ends with Ellie getting sick and passing away.
Trying to come to grips with a new life without his beloved wife, Carl ties thousands of balloons to his roof and takes off for Paradise Falls in South America.
Carl quickly learns that Russell has stowed away on his porch, and he has no choice but to let Russell accompany him on the journey.
At first, Russell and Carl can't seem to get along, but it doesn't take long for this odd couple to become great friends.
Carl and Russell meet exotic animals, including a talking dog named Dug, who is the funniest character in the film.
While the movie is very funny, it is also a very moving experience, exploring many different and serious human emotions.
Carl doesn't know how to live his life without his wife and becomes almost a complete recluse.
Russell is an avid member of the Wilderness Explorers, a group like the Boy Scouts, who has never actually been camping because his father isn't around very often.
While the movie is a beautiful piece of animation, it is actually the relationships that capture you the most. The movie is available to see in Disney 3-D.
There are advantages to seeing the movie in either format. When you see it in 3-D, you get a sense of depth that is pretty neat, however the movie is actually a bit brighter and more colorful when you aren't watching in 3-D.
"Up" has humor, drama, excitement and wonder. The movie is animated beautifully, and the voice acting is all spot on. It is what everyone has come to expect from a Disney/Pixar movie. t&c;
