Chalk Up Another Winner For Pixar

Rating: 10/10 (4 September 2009)

Since Pixar produced their first 3D-CGI (three dimension,computer generated image)short,an untitled experimental short of dinosaurs running across a vast field, they have managed to carve a niche in animated features (as well as some mighty funny & very well animated short films,as well). Now, Pixar proudly brings us, 'Up'. 'Up' is a tale of a young boy,named Carl Fredricksen,who just wants to follow in the footsteps of his hero,adventurer, Charles Muntz,and travel to South America to find a hidden waterfall paradise. The ensuing years manage to side track Carl's dreams (in a wordless montage that will go for the heart strings). Carl is now an old man (voiced by veteran actor,Ed Asner),who's home is scheduled to be demolished to make room for apartments,and seems doomed to spend the rest of his life in a nursing home when he has the idea to tie thousands of helium filled balloons & float away. Unbenownst to Carl,a young boy scout,Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai)stows away on his porch. Carl has no other choice but to bring Russell along. What follows is a series of adventures for Carl,Russell,and a dog named Dug (voiced by co writer, co director,Bob Peterson)to South America,where they manage to find not just Carl's boyhood hero,Charles Muntz (voiced by Christopher Plummer),but an ultra rare bird,which Russell takes a fancy to (and vice versa). Bob Peterson co writes & directs,with Pete Docter (who also provides some voice overs for a character named Campmaster Strauch),from a story by Peterson,Docter & Thomas McCarthy. The film has some impressive cinematography & editing. What I really admired was the fact that,despite a Disney production,doesn't have the usual sappy Disney-esquire songs that only manage to pad the film out. I eagerly await Pixar's next entry. Available in certain areas in Digital Disney 3D,and standard 2D for cinemas that are not equipped for 3D screenings. Rated PG by the MPAA,this film serves up some scary moments that small tykes may find a bit intense.