Toy Story or Finding Nemo this is not. But worth seeing at the cinema in superb 3D this is.

Rating: 7/10 (30 September 2009)

The word on the street was that Pixar's latest finally showcased the true potential 3D has in the movie market. Now we aren't talking about the gimmicky extra dimension you find at studio theme parks in the U.S. or in those schlocky horror movies like My Bloody Valentine and The Final Destination - whose sole purpose are to make you duck and weave as things are swiped and hurtled at you - the third dimension here would add depth to each and every frame like never before seen. The word on the street was right. There is nothing cheap or sore on the eyes here, just subtle 3D that supports, not replaces, a worthy tale. If this is the direction that 3D is heading in, then I am very excited indeed.
Pixar (now owned by Disney) aren't the leading company in animated movies just because of the visual benchmark they continually set. They understand that the story comes first and without it the breathtaking imagery will mean next to nothing. With Up we have an endearing yarn about following your dreams before it is too late, which is genuinely moving for the most part, but it seems to steer into adult territory a little too often. Don't misunderstand, this is a truly wonderful story and it is nice to find a 'kids' movie that isn't afraid to make the audience, both young and old, think, however it could have used a lighter touch to get across the same message. An extra laugh here and there would've been welcomed too.
We have seen and loved a toy cowboy and spaceman, the last robot on earth, a clownfish and an ugly green ogre yet Carl is one of the most unlikely protagonists to feature in an animated family movie yet: a grumpy old man. However it is a breath of fresh air to see this square-jawed, button-nosed man in his seventies lead the way in a world that inhabits talking dogs and a female exotic bird named Kevin. His offsider, the loveably pudgy Russell, almost steals the show though. His bumbling voice and priceless facial expressions pave the way to majority of the laughs and subsequently ensure his escapades are the most enjoyable to watch.
Toy Story or Finding Nemo this is not. But worth seeing at the cinema in superb 3D this is.
3.5 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Average, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)