Up is a movie featuring one of the best opening sequences I have ever seen. It’s emotional and authentic and it’s going to hook you instantly. I know that you’ve probably heard all about this movie but I simply had to include it. After all, there are so many memes and clips online that you simply cannot miss it. The Pixar crew started working on the story back in 2004 and it fucking shows. I’m certain that Up is one of those movies generations and generations are going to enjoy. We will be following Carl, a senior who decides to visit South America after his wife’s death.
He will hook up with a young boy Russel and the two of them will then go on an epic adventure. It’s refreshing to see an old guy be the protagonist in an animated movie. Infinitely charming and genuinely funny, Up is a heartwarming adventure for both the young and the old. And we shouldn’t forget about the middle-aged. Well, I guess this is a movie for everyone as it offers thoughtful insights about life in general no matter how old you are. The Alpha Dog joke and the frog gage had me laughing out loud, something that rarely happens these days.
So, if this movie can warm the heart of an aging cynic like myself, it can do that for anyone. Mostly because it doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff. I’m talking about the realities of life that are bound to hit you at one point or another. They’re simply unavoidable and Up handles them in the right way. This injection of reality is in stark contrast with the rest of the movie that’s more of a carefree adventure in South America. Everything that happens after the moment Karl meets Russel, the young explorer who came knocking on his door, could be a product of imagination.
However, sometimes that’s all you need, your imagination. Imagination is the thing that turns your dreams and desires into reality. And many of us often don’t get the chance to do exactly that. Life gets in the way, sort of speak. I don’t want to get too analytical with this one because that’s not the best way to approach it. The animation style is just adorable. And they had a beautiful and vibrant setting to work with. Of course, the same goes for the voice acting that was just pure perfection. As you can notice, Up is an instant masterpiece and I don’t want to bother you too much with it.
It features a multi-layered and absorbing story that’s going to stay with you long after the movie is over. In that sense, it reminds me a bit of the nineties hit Toy Story. I just hope we’re going to get the same amount of sequels with this one. And kudos to Pixar for not going commercial and churning out a new movie every six months. They’re really careful about storytelling and just about everything else, making sure that when you see that Pixar logo, you know you’re in for a treat. Finally, I just think that the title could’ve been better. Up is far too simplistic for this type of experience. And then again, what do I know?
Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Writers: Pete Docter. Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy
Cast: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, Jerome Ranft, John Ratzenberger
Fun Stuff: Most of the story takes place in Venezuela where you can find the real locations depicted in this movie.
Rating:
IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1049413/
