Oh, Pixar!

Rating: 10/10 (7 June 2009)

You've ruined the way I look at movies!
I mean, after 2001 I found it impossible to watch any animated feature and not compare it to the the breathtakingly beautiful visuals, flawless storytelling & inspired creativity of "Monsters Inc". Even Dreamworks' best entries into the animated feature category, great movies like "Over The Hedge" and "Shrek", could never quite reach the bar that you selfishly set so high.
Damn you Pixar!
If that wasn't bad enough, within the last few weeks I saw "Wall-E" for the first time, AND was able to see "UP" the day it came to theaters.
Well, not only can I not watch an animated movie without comparing it to everything you've put out, I now can't watch ANY MOVIES without comparing them to your work.
STOP IT!! You're setting the bar WAY too high!
How in God's name are filmmakers supposed to compete with something as perfect as "Wall-E"? And then follow it up with something that's just as good, but totally fresh and different as "Up" is? It's just not fair!
OK, I got a little carried away. But Pixar is definitely due it's praise. "Up" is, much like "Wall-E", a complete movie in every sense of the word. There's really nothing missing. Within the first 15 or 20 minutes, you've already laughed, cried and everything in between. THIS is what going to the movies is all about.
The story that unfolds in "Up" is engaging and as far from boring as possible. The plot is always moving forward at just the right pace, telling it's story in such a creative way that you almost have to pause and think "How the heck did they think of that?!" It does deal with some pretty heavy subject matter and could have potentially crossed over into territory a little too dark for a "family" movie. But it's handled with such care and sensitivity that it never feels inappropriate. The montage in the opening moments, detailing the relationship between the main character and the love of his life, is so moving that it could crack even the most stone-hearted viewer.
The characters here are what really stand out to me. They are presented with as much depth and detail as any flesh and blood actor can convey. Pixar has never shied away from creating characters with layered personalities, complete with shortcomings and flaws. It's this "real" approach to character development that makes you forget you're watching an animated movie. While you may not have experienced the exact situation that confronts Mr. Fredrickson, the film's elderly protagonist masterfully voiced by Ed Asner, the emotions that he expresses are immediately and profoundly relatable. Even in moments that find him doing his best "Grumpy Old Man" routine, you never question his intentions or stop rooting for him. The other central characters, Russell (An eager wilderness scout looking to earn his final badge by helping Mr. Fredrickson) and Dug (A canine that has been given the ability to articulate his thoughts into clear, albeit goofy English) both provide well-placed comic relief and end up fitting perfectly into Fredrickson's world. Both are have their own minor subplots, that give depth and credibility to each. I found the one dealing with Dug's conflict between allegiance to his original "master" or doing what is clearly the "right thing" to do, particularly effective. Kevin, a flightless female (No, that's not a typo!) bird who is the mother to a few little fledglings, is brilliantly brought to life without ever speaking a word and adds some emotionally gripping moments. She also happens to be one of the most hilarious characters I've ever seen.
The bottom line is this: "Up" is just really fun to watch. It's equal parts moving, funny and exciting. It's pure fantasy that feels real. It picks you up out of your chair, strips away that part of your adult self that blinds you from the true wonders of life and for an hour and a half it allows you to see the world as a kid again. It's more than just a movie.
After I left the theater, I couldn't help but be reminded of how I would feel after experiencing Spielberg's early work when I was a kid. When I saw "E.T." for the first time at 5 years old, it was all I could think about for the next few weeks! I would replay it in my mind over and over again, reliving every moment of excitement, heartbreak and sheer joy. As I sit here, a month from turning 30, I have to admit that unfortunately that type of experience has become all too rare. But for the second time in as many years, Pixar has managed to relight that passion in me. I am forever grateful for that.
Thank you Pixar.