The animated movie continues its evolution

Rating: 9/10 (10 March 2010)

I found some things to poke fun at in "Up" ,but I'll start out though with a little gushing praise. Pixar has produced a complex story that blends heartfelt sincerity with the illogic and humor available in animation. I won't bore you with a plot description because I imagine everyone is familiar with the story of Carl Frederickson and his improbable journey to Paradise Falls. In a sequence completely absent of dialogue (think Wall-E) we are shown the complete life of a marriage that includes a miscarriage and the eventual death of Carl's wife, Ellie. This portion alone could have been an amazing short film. Once Carl has teamed up with the ever helpful Wilderness Scout, Russell, we are treated to a more conventional Pixar with the happy ending right around the corner.
Here is my, "What I learned from Up" list:
-Due process does not exist in a Disney/Pixar world. Carl accidentally commits what would be a minor crime one day and the next he is kicked out of his home and somehow forced to move to the friendly neighborhood old folks home.
-When going on an adventure, always go armed, but if a Disney movie make it something non lethal like pepper spray. You never know when you might run into a childhood hero turned madman.
-When a talking dog says, " I was sleeping under your porch because I love you" it's funny. If a person says that to you, call 911.
-Russell, as cute as he is, appears to be at risk for juvenile diabetes.
-It's ugly when really really old guys try to fight each other.