Review of Up

Rating: 9/10 (10 December 2010)

Up will lift your spirits! Another great success from Pixar, Up is an excellent family film that people of all ages can enjoy. Up takes you on a journey through life and its surprises. Written and directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson, Up approaches life from a more mature angle. According to yahoo.com, "Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life." In this heartwarming story Carl, a 78 year old man, and Russell, 70 years his junior, develop a great friendship through their obscure journey. When watching this movie I was struck by the reality of the beginning sequence of clips as Carl and Ellie travel through life with big plans that they strive toward. They have a continual goal they are attempting to reach as a couple. This dream however must be put on hold while their life continues to hit bumps along the way. These different bumps are events each member of the audience can identify with, to some degree. As audience viewers watch a connection is formed between then and both Carl and Ellie. This connection can most clearly be felt when Ellie passes away and Carl is seen walking home alone. Not to leave the movie goers in a slump the movie quickly reintroduced, a few years later, to Carl as the old ornery man across the street all have come to fear and love. Determined to fulfill the dream of his late wife, Carl fills thousands of helium balloons and lifts his house from the ground into the air. Comfortable in his sailing-house-air-balloon floating above the earth he hears a rap on his front door. His unwanted guest is none other then Russell. Russell is a Wilderness Explorer trying to complete his last task as a Wilderness Explorer, assisting the elderly badge. In an attempt to earn his badge Russell ended up on the front porch of Carl's home as it took off up into the sky. They arrive near to their final landing spot and decide to walk the floating house to its destination before the helium runs out. Their adventure continues as they meet new friends and old friends and make new enemies. Carl and Russell grow together in learning how to trust and respect one another.
This adventure kid's story is a great family film that reminds people of all ages to refocus on the important things in life and some of the sacrifice to get there. The movie ends with Carl and Russell eating ice cream watching the cars as they drive by. Both of the main characters have changed because of their journey together. Together they sit in communion; neither is left on their own and they now have a new hope and goal of friendship in community. They have finished the journey and accomplished the task they were striving toward.