Up

Rated: PG for some peril and action.
Release Date: 2009-05-29
Starring: Bob Peterson
Director(s):
Distributor:
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Country: USA
Official Website: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/up/

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With its 10th film, Disney-Pixar adds to what is an already impressive collection of animated features that have delighted kids and adults alike since the mid 90s.  In the tradition of its predecessors, UP not only stretches the imagination, but through the familiar qualities we see in their characters, also manages to galvanize our hearts into action. Quietly, and simply put, Pixar has become the brand we can trust to inspire.

UP, follows the touching story of a 78 year old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the jungles of South America. But he soon discovers that he won’t be alone on his journey – an 8 year old ‘wilderness explorer’ named Russell is inadvertently on board.

Despite its impeccable record of hit films, Pixar doesn’t simply follow a formula that has worked for them in the past.  They continuously explore new territory and with last year’s Wall-E even go as far as making daring social political commentary.  Of course it’s all hidden underneath a score of lovable characters and a hilarious string of jokes. 

UP however, seems to push the envelope even further by introducing some sobering moments we’re not used to seeing in ‘kid movies’.  Trust me, you’ll know what I’m talking about when you see them.  While navigating between these type of scenes and the lighthearted ones is something director Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc.) does swiftly, it also presents the film’s most challenging and uncomfortable moments. Notwithstanding, you’ll be in for an hour an a half of absolute fun.

It is hard to say where UP ranks among the other Pixar classics, but as of now it is one genre-bending unpredictable animated family action comedy for all age groups.