Uplifting!

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2010)

Pixar is back, baby! This one starts out a little heavy for a children's movie as Carl Fredrickson and his beloved wife, Ellie, live out a life marred by average, everyday trials and setbacks. Their life dream of going to Paradise Falls, a place of wonder as described by their mutual childhood hero, never materializes. Ellie passes away, leaving Carl alone in a world that seems to be moving on without him. In a final act of defiance and an attempt to realize his dream, Carl ties thousands of balloons to his house and sets sail for South America with an accidental passenger, Russell, an 8 year old boy. When he arrives he meets his childhood hero, who turns out to be not at all what Carl expected. In the end Carl realizes his dream was really companionship and his life is enriched by the new friends he made while on his adventure. The story, overall, is uplifting, funny and just a good time. The colorful animation is rich and in the brilliant style of the director of Monsters Inc. This one is a hit!