Disney-Pixar's Up

Pixar has become known for quality films. Note that I do not say animated films, but films in general. Even their few movies that weren’t quite up to standard were still very good. As such, they’ve set a high bar for themselves. Like everything they make, “Up” is not only expected to be great, it’s expected to be beyond wonderful. And, once again, Pixar does not disappoint.

“Up,” co-directed by Pete Docter (director of “Monsters Inc.”) and Bob Peterson, follows grumpy old man Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) as he embarks on an adventure to the wilderness of South America to fulfill a promise he made to his wife. As one likely already knows from the previews, Carl travels on this adventure via his house, which is suspended by balloons. Unwittingly joining him is Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), a junior wilderness explorer, and Dug, the talking dog (voiced by co-director Bob Peterson).

While the concept of a house held aloft by balloons and a talking dog (in fact there are many such canines in the movie) sounds absurd, the film handles the concept brilliantly. I easily suspend disbelief and even laughed at the more sophomoric humor, most often delivered by Dug, when in most movies I would have otherwise groaned and rolled my eyes. I also easily accepted the rest of the absurdities the characters encounter as the film rolls along at a quick, enjoyable pace.

Part of the reason this all works is because of how emotionally touching “Up” is. The movie begins with a rather sad montage that may even equal the famed scene from “Bambi.” While it’s not as shocking or horrifying, it’s incredibly sad, and, at the same time, beautiful. With almost no dialogue, we become completely invested in Carl and the film carries this emotional ride through to the end.

The animation in “Up,” while more cartoony than some other Pixar films, is still outstanding. I had the pleasure of viewing the film in 3D, and even though I’m still undecided on whether or not I enjoy viewing movies in this format, I do have to say that “Up” did a particularly good job. Nothing in the film seemed “purposefully 3D” as many newer 3D movies are apt to do. Nothing seems to uncharacteristically fly at the screen just for the “wow” factor. Instead, the third dimension helps to subtly make the vast landscapes and colorful characters more realistic – in a fantasy sort of way. I recommend seeing it in 3D, even though I still find the glasses a little uncomfortable and the screen not as vibrant when viewed through them.

“Up” is an emotional roller coaster, and many of those emotions might go over younger childrens’ heads. That said, there is plenty to captivate adult and child alike.  Much of the humor, while geared towards the younger ages, is still funny enough for their parents and much of the adult themes, which may be too complicated for younger children, have enough simplistic ideas that will keep them just as invested.

Once again, Pixar has succeeded. “Up” is a brilliant, warm, exciting, funny, and charming movie. It may not be Pixar’s best film, but it is still beyond wonderful and deserves its five star rating.