Movie Review - Up

Movie Review - Up

Starring the voice talents of Ed Asner and Jordan Nagai.

Rated PG for some peril and action.

When it comes time to review a Pixar film such as Wall-E, Toy Story, or The Incredibles - I always think I should just skip it. There really isn't much I can say that people don't already feel towards Pixar films. It's like the days of traditional animated flicks like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast - where everyone has a soft spot for a new Pixar flick and so far - we haven't been let down.

We were let down by the Disney powerhouse which looks to regain my love affair with the new hand-drawn film, The Princess and the Frog, but Pixar has keep me hanging on to every flick. To be honest, I hated Wall-E the first time I saw it - but after multiple viewings with my daughter who liked it enough to keep watching it - I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.

Up was - to me - a return for Pixar. As previously stated, when I walked away from Wall-E thinking it wasn't exactly the best thing in the world I was ready for something more like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo. I've made my amends with Wall-E now, but Up was definitely something I was really looking forward to after Wall-E. Many reviewers and critics have made a huge deal out of the marketing of this flick as they really don't have a market for action figures or other merchandise with this film like they have with all the other movies and that it wouldn't play as well to kids who wouldn't see the old man as someone to relate to. It's amazing why this would be made such a big deal out of. I miss the days of no internet and while some would say I'm not old enough to remember that - I do in regards to movies. I remember not knowing much about a film before it was released in theatres and I remember not really ever hearing much about a flick and whether or not the marketing was pitch perfect. All I remember was whether or not the general feeling was this was going to be good or bad. I think a lot of the magic of movies has been lost (at least with me) when it comes to hearing and reading about all these things that really don't make any difference to whether or not the film is any good. Do I really care if I can get an action figure resembling the old man in Up? Will that make or break the movie? Will I stumble out of the theatre in awe of the marvelous flick I just watched and then throw a tantrum and declare my absolute hate for the vile flick because I wasn't able to buy a backpack with Up plastered on it? I don't think so.

Up was a great movie - a grand movie - a glorious movie. A movie that I am proud to say made me happy - and sad. A wonderful experience at the theatre and one of the best ways to spend an afternoon or evening. Up tells the story of a man who from his days as a youngster dreamed of adventure and while life got in the way - he never did get a chance to go on this adventure. Soon, the opportunity strikes and the man uses balloons to carry his house up and away on an amazing adventure. I purposely left out some stuff - in an effort to keep you excited and surprised emotionally at the little things that happen during this great family film that manages to not only get lots of laughs but some tears.

I really enjoyed watching Up. The comedy was spot on and never relied on the 'fart' joke to get a laugh. Up is the product of an intelligent, well-thought out script that refused to sink to that level and instead elevated the characters involved to much more than animated sticks. You feel for these fake people just as much as you would for a real live human and that is a testament to the power of great animation, wonderfully accurate voice work, and a beautiful script. Up has it all and my glowing review. You can't get much better than this - so head out to the theater and soak up this imaginative tale.

Up is playing at Cinema 3 in McCook. Check out showtimes at www.fridleytheatres.com. Want more up to date information on movies? Subscribe to my twitter at www.twitter.com/divinefilms.