Pixar's Greatest Adventure

Rating: 9/10 (13 October 2018)

Everyone has big dreams. But what if those dreams are put off? Perhaps children, bills, work, even life can get in the way of people's aspirations. Carl Fredricksen's dream? To finally travel to Paradise Falls in South America in memory of his wife. The story provides a fresh and thoughtful take on the "adventure of a lifetime" that many young people crave. It diverges greatly from other Pixar films as it does not rely on outlandish characters or an unrealistic plot to keep watchers interested. Up mostly remains true to life, allowing for audiences to empathize their struggles. The film is heartwarming but is not afraid to show the grittier sides of life. Pete Docter, the director, is able to artfully balance emotional moments in the film with whimsical exhilaration which makes this movie so special. The film allows individuals to realize the morals and themes of the story on their own without feeling degraded by oversimplification. People of all ages, especially teenagers to older adults, would appreciate the light and fun approach to the serious topic of making the most out of life. For animated films, Pixar's Up represents the pinnacle of storytelling by conveying dynamic characters and a compelling plot.
Up is intriguing due to its fresh, but familiar, storyline that allows audiences to engage in the key aspects of the movie. Just within the first ten minutes of the film, we witness Carl Fredricksen's entire childhood and adulthood leading up to the present day. The introduction contains little dialogue aside from the first interaction with his childhood friend and future wife, Ellie. Their first meeting in the clubhouse is light and humorous, a nice contrast to the following. This scene introduces the "grape soda" pin, Carl's reminder of his wife and the adventures they experienced together. After, the film cuts to a montage of Carl and Ellie's later life. All the landmarks of one's life pass before onlookers without dialogue. The melding of mellow piano music with the near dream-like scenes moves the audience to empathize with the sweet then tragic life. The film fast-forwards to a Carl now tired and grumpy with his home being encroached on by skyscrapers. Before he is forced into a retirement home, the unfortunate fate of many senior citizens, he wishes for one last adventure. He promised Ellie when they were younger they would see Paradise Falls in South America, but their plans were always put aside for more pressing issues. Their dream was ultimately never realized as Ellie fell sick and passed away. So as a final homage, Carl straps thousands of balloons to his house which floats away in the wind towards his destination. Little does he know, his adventure is abruptly interrupted by Russell. A Wilderness Survival Scout, Russell becomes a beacon of naive, hopeful spirit which reflected Carl's own childhood. The two maintain a humorous yet personal relationship throughout the film, resembling one of a grandfather and grandson. Along with talking dogs, a rare bird, and a driven explorer, Carl's straight-forward journey to the waterfall becomes more than he bargained for. The movie continues the exciting adventure to achieve his dream while contending with his stowaways and new antagonists.
Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal found Pixar's Up to have a superficial plot and lacking some of the trademark weight that audiences expect from Pixar. However, The animated film contained a meaningful characters and story that allowed the readers to feel the quest for new beginnings on an emotional level without belittling the audience. The film contains many difficult themes such as loss, purpose, and love. The beginning exposition of Carl Fredricksen's life is heartwarming yet sets the bittersweet tone of the movie. With nearly no dialogue, we get a deep understanding of Carl's character from his childhood to time as a widower. The film has plenty of artistically planned depth and tough choices, yet it is unique to many other Pixar productions as it does not dismiss the moviegoers' intelligence by forcing morals into their face. The story rather guides audiences to make the connections and sculpt an understanding own their own. Although Mr. Morgenstern may have found Up to fall short in regards to other Pixar movies, Up displays a level of maturity, simplicity, and thoughtfulness yet to be seen by other animated films.
The adventure of an old man and his newfound companions may seem far-fetched, but the characterization make this story profound. The ideas are well thought-out into an intelligent film that speak to the meaning of life. Although many teenagers and older adults may find the theme of this story irrelevant, it is an important question for an individual to ask him or herself. Just as the audience saw in Carl's life, all people have dreams deferred. Yet the reaction to such setbacks is unique to the individual and it creates a beautiful narrative as people saw in Up. Carl represents the best and worst within the audience's journey to find the adventure of his life.