Another great animation from Pixar

Rating: 9/10 (5 January 2013)

Young Carl Fredricksen's hero is Charles Muntz an explorer who has been disgraced after it is suggested that one of his great finds is actually a fake. Carl refuses to believe this though. Soon after learning of Muntz' disgrace he meets Ellie; a girl who is equally obsessed with the idea of exploration; they vow that one day they will go to Paradise Falls in South America together. The years pass and they get married; money is put aside for the trip but one thing after another means they never do. Eventually Ellie dies leaving Carl all alone in the house they had shared all their adult lives. Developers want to buy his house so they can build there but he has other ideas. One day he decides he is leaving... and he is taking his house with him!
He uses thousands of helium balloons to float the house into the sky; then he realises he is not alone; Russell, a Scout who wants to get his 'helping the elderly' badge. When the balloon finally descends they find themselves in South America; not just that but within walking distance of Paradise Falls. Carl wants to take the house there before all the helium leaks out of the balloons. They try to get there but meet several distractions along the way including a giant bird, a talking dog and the man Carl once considered his hero. One thing is for sure; Carl will finally get the adventure he dreamt of!
I haven't seen every Pixar film but I've been impressed with every one I've seen so far and 'Up' is no exception. The opening is beautiful as well as being tear-inducing... more so for older viewers I suspect. When Carl and Russell go on their adventure the story becomes more child-friendly with plenty of laughs provided by Kevin the bird and Dug the dog. There are just the right number of scares provided by the obsessed Muntz and his pack of talking dogs. I know this was released in 3D in the cinemas but when I saw it on TV I wasn't constantly thinking 'that scene was put in just to show off the 3D'. The characters were really good; I especially liked how the elderly Carl never forgot his late wife... she was not just a motivation to travel then never mentioned again. Russell made a good sidekick and Kevin and Dug were pretty funny... older viewers might find them a little silly but we must remember this is really a film for all ages and I'm sure children will love these characters. If you've enjoyed other Pixar film you are sure to love this it is great.