UP

Rating:

Review

Note: This movie was observed in 2D at the cinema and not 3D, therefore I am unaware if watching it in 3D would enhance your experience or whether it’s just another gimmick like it appears to be most of the time and you would be better off saving the few extra pounds for popcorn!

When Pixar release an animated movie, you can be sure it’ll be worth your time and ‘Up’ is no different. From the joys of Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Ratatouille and The Incredibles to the adventures of Nemo, the world’s most famous clown fish, Pixar time and time again produce the goods and never disappoint.

‘Up’ begins with an almost dialogue free montage portraying the life of Carl Fredricksen and how he becomes this grumpy old anti-social wreck. The first 10 or so minutes are the key to this animation, as it gives a deep history to his character and a story begins that resonates throughout the entire duration of the movie. It definitely allows you to understand Carl better and why he is the way he is and how he struggles to move on from the tragedies in his life.

In contrast is a young boy scout named Russell, trying to earn his ‘help the elderly’ badge, who finds himself hiding on the porch as Carl attaches hundreds of Helium filled balloons to the house and makes his flight to South America and to escape being forced into a retirement home.

On their journey as an odd couple they find themselves trying to save a rare bird named Kevin with the help of a talking dog, Dug. This is where the plot changes slightly to the overall story line of the movie and there is a situation that develops allowing for a ‘good’ vs ‘bad’ mini story taking place near the end. The difference is the explorer Charles Muntz is simply trying to clear his name and gain respectability and is by no means really a villain, so it is more of a case of ‘good’ vs ‘not so good’. This section although still enjoyable was far from the sweet emotional and funny moments that carry you through the first hour.

I have to say this is the funniest animation I have ever seen and it is largely down to Russell who allows for many real laugh out loud moments to occur. His naivety and short attention span, with his imagination, friendliness and drive for wanting to explore and preserve nature makes him a very likeable and refreshing character.

I won’t give away the main storyline that runs through the movie, as it is a surprise for when you see it (even though it’s unveiled in the first few minutes). The reasons behind the journey to paradise falls is one I believe the older viewer would appreciate more and for this reason the first hour of this animation was one I enjoyed thoroughly.

Pixar are continuously successful with their animations because they don’t relay solely on exciting the audience with stunning animation, or wonderful array of colours that delight the senses. The real beauty of Pixar animations is how they appeal to both adults and children through perfecting the combination of stunning animation, colours and characters that are infused with a rich story which creates the backbone of any good movie. It’s clear that time and effort has gone into every small detail from the chin hairs on Carl slowly growing as the days pass, to the very catchy yet beautifully composed mellow theme tune that complements the movie perfectly. None of this happens by chance, this is Pixar at their best and this is why they do not disappoint.

If you’re a lover of animation, you are in for a real treat. On the other hand if you feel you’re too old to watch a ‘cartoon’ and have resisted Pixar to this day, I would encourage you to give ‘UP’ a chance and see how animations can be sophisticated, funny and an emotional rollercoaster all in the space of 90 minutes. You won’t regret it!

Starring: Edward Asner, Chrisopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Preston

Director: Pete Docter

Rating: 4/5

Bilal Mohyuddin (BFM)