Up Review

3 weeks ago 02nd Nov 10:10

Cast: Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger
Dir: Pete Docter
Rating: 5/5

Over the years Pixar have produced some of the most wonderful that have taken the animation genre to a new level and leaving others trailing in their wake.

And 2009 is no different as Up carries on their wonderful tradition of winning over audiences of both children and adults.

A young Carl Fredrickson meets a young adventure spirited girl named Ellie. They both dream of going to a Lost Land in South America.

70 years later, Ellie has died. Carl remembers the promise he made to her. Then, when he inadvertently hits a construction worker, he is forced to go to a retirement home.

But before they can take him, he and his house fly away. However he has a stowaway aboard. An 8 year old boy named Russell, whose trying to get an assisting the elderly badge.

Together, they embark in an adventure, where they encounter talking dogs, an evil villain and a rare bird named Kevin.

Yes just as all the other Pixar movies that have gone before Up is packed with adventure, laughs and that important sprinkling of magic, it could just be their best movie yet.

As wee have come to expect from these movies the visuals are totally outstanding, 2009 really has been a fantastic year for the animation genre, it’s vivid and bright and has been crafted with obvious care.

Once again a whole host of weird and wonderful characters are brought to the screen, trust me you will be shouting Squirrel! At every available opportunity, as well as barrels of wit and belly laughs that will keep the kids entertained.

But, perhaps like none of Pixar’s movies before, Up is well and truly rooted in the real world that examines real issues and feelings.

After the death of his wife Ellie the movie’s central character Carl is totally lost and Up addresses old age and the loss of a partner is a truly touching way that is more powerful than any of the humour in the movie.

But it’s a story that is set in reality and something that many people in the audience can identify with. But what’s also great about this movie is it tells us that it is never too late to achieve your dream. So often movies have a young a central character going off on these amazing adventures it’s so nice to see Pixar break that mould.

And despite all the troubles that Carl faces along the way he holds tight to that dream and reaches his goal in the memory of his wife before realising that it’s ok to move on and live life without her. And it’s Carl’s memories and promises that are some of the most heart warming and poignant points in the film.

There is absolutely nothing to fault in Up it’s bright and colourful packed with excitement and humour as well as being brave enough to focus in on the idea of old age, loneliness and morality.

With the Oscars just around the corner Up is the runaway favourite to scoop the Best Animation prize but it’s in with a major shout of finding itself amongst the Best Picture shortlist, this is an absolute must see for 2009!

Up is out now

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw