Posted by Martin:
UP
Grade A
I was unsure what to expect from UP. The teaset trailer gave ZERO information other than an old man sitting on the porch of a floating house, but that image alone was enough to pique my interest. What would the old man be doing on a floating house?
I genually feel sad for those who assume that Pixar movies are "kids" or "children's" movies and then don't see these movies based on that opinion. Pixar movies do have toys, fuzzy monsters, and talking animals. Children like these things, goes the thinking, therefore these are children's movies. UP shows us why that is a horrible mistake to make.
This is a wonderful story. Directered by Pete Docter, who also directed Monsters Inc., this movie is made out of joy and love, and it shows across every frame.
Carl Frederickson, voiced by Ed Asner, is 78 years old, and grumpy, but we see in the opening montage we see that he was a happy man who wanted world adventure with his wife Elie. Life got in the way though. The opening montage showing Carl's life with Elie is breathtaking. Themes of loss, disappointment, and lonliness are what open the story. Not happy, childish, themes. This is not a "children's" story,
But having said that, this is a Pixar movie.
Watching Carl's floating house across the blue sky is an image that I thoughly enjoyed drinking in. This was quite joy being shown on the screen. Louder, more excitable joy was soon on the way.
Russell, voiced by newcomer Jordan Nagai, is a Wilderness Explorer who is intent on helping an elderly person, even if that person doesn't want or probably even need help.
Russell is full blown eight year old. He is eager to please, but gets tired easily. He is nice and outgoing, but doesn't understand social cues yet. He is enthusaism personified.
Dug, is a talking dog. Fix that, he is a dog with a talking collar. The talking collar is a device of brillance. How do you introduce a talking dog without introducing a "talking" dog. Dug is happy dog, Dug loves everyone, expect squirrels. He tries very hard to be mean, but he isn't. That isn't who he is. But Dug is the dog we all want. We just met Dug, and we love him. He is a good dog.
The floating house is a wonderful set piece, and director Pete Doctor knows that it must become a character itself. The house comes alive with creeks and noises and other sounds. Despire what Carl says, it is never just a house.
UP is joy and enthusiaism personified. This is a triumph.
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He is eager to please, but gets tired easily. He is nice and outgoing, but doesn't understand social cues yet.
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