Sunday, June 7, 2009

Movie Review: Up

Movie: Up

Genre: Animated Fantasy

Rating: PG

Movie Blurb: Carl Fredricksen, a 78 year-old curmudgeonly balloon salesman, in not your average hero. When he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America, he finally fulfills his life long dream of adventure. But after discovering an 8-year-old stowaway named Russell, this unlikely duo soon find themselves on a hilarious journey in a lost world filled with danger and surprises. See trailer here.

Why This Movie: I love Pixar movies. They are just so much fun. Really brings out my inner child.

Review: I don't know how those Pixar folks do it but this is definitely another outstanding movie. And the storyline is once again very unique. It tells the story and adventure of one Carl Fredricksen. From childhood Carl has wanted to go to Paradise Falls in South America to follow the dream of his beloved Ellie and in the footsteps of their childhood hero, the famed explorer Charles Muntz. As he starts his adenture Carl finds a stowaway, Russell, a young Wilderness Explorer trying to earn his "Assisting the Elderly" badge, the only one he needs in order to become a Senior Explorer.

This is also a movie about growth and moving forward in life. Carl has lost his beloved Ellie and he sets out to fulfill their lifelong dream as a final tribute to her. And this had become his goal in life. But as he spends time with Russell, he finds others reasons to live and how to make new advertures in his golden years. As for Russell, he wants to become a Senior Explorer so that his dad will spend time with him. We see his sadness and determination to make this happen. But in the end he finds a new friend and father figure in Carl.

The story is lively with lots of laughs as Carl and Russell, and later Dug, struggle to fulfill their dreams. The action is fast paced and the animation was perfect. The wonderfully drawn characters to the extraordinary adventure, it has everything that we have come to expect from Pixar. And as always we get to see a bit of local Bay Area color that Pixar loves to but in their films. In this case it is Fenton's, a local ice cream palor which serves the best sundaes in the area. Come visit and we'll go to Fenton's for a sundae! *g*

What I liked best: Dug the dog. LOL! Those Pixar folks definitely had a dog's personality down pat. The enthusiasm, the fascination with rodents, the thrill of the chase, and the loyalty and love of one's master. Dug was perfect and very, very funny.

What I least liked: There wasn't anything I didn't like about the film. It was lots of wonderful fun from the beginning to the end.

Rating: A

9 comments:

KT Grant said...

I love, love Pixar movies. I was almost crying like a baby during WALL*E, which was my favorite movie from last year.
Going to see UP today! Better bring some tissues!

orannia said...

Obviously, I'm missing out on PIXAR movies. Must rectify that :) Thank you Aymless!

Shaymless Aymless said...

KB: Try to see it in 3D. It was worth it!

Orannia: You HAVE to see Pixar movies. They are fantastic and really funny too, especially for us big kids since there is a lot of background adult humor. I would start with either the Incredibles or WALL*E or Toy Story

orannia said...

WALL*E sounds rather good. I wonder if my library has it....

Tracy said...

Oh this sounds so fun! I can't wait to take my girls!

Sarai said...

I have been thinking about this one... I wonder if my friend has seen it. Maybe we should go check it out.

orannia said...

Hey Aymless *waves*

Just wanted to say HI. I hope everything is good with you :)

~ames~ said...

I cried at the beginning of this movie. LOL It's truly good stuff.

Squirrel!

sybil said...

I think I am going to see this tomorrow. Sounds like too much good fun. Wall*e is the only film they have done I haven't liked.

 

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