A synonym for cinematic excellence, a benchmark for animation movies

Rating: 10/10 (30 August 2009)

Where do I begin? Oh yes, the first time I heard that Pixar were coming up with their latest feature length offering from my sister, who is greatly passionate about character graphics and is desperate to join Pixar. Admittedly (like some of my fellow reviewers here), I found the storyline about an old man and a young kid stowing away to a legendary place in the South American jungles a bit dull.
But, boy, did Pixar prove me wrong spectacularly! As a visual treat, it's as perfect as anything you could ever imagine. The moments, tender and funny, never overplay and I found myself wiping my eyes on at least 3 sequences, most notably the one towards the beginning of the film: I laughed when Carl's family politely applauded, looking bewildered; I smiled when Ellie points out the cloud shapes; I was in tears when the doctor gives the shattering news that Ellie can't become a mom and finally my heart went out to a lonely old man who strives so much to keep a promise made to his wife when they were kids. It's impossible for a normal sane person to go through this scene without a pair of wet eyes.
The amusing moments begin when an old man Carl Fredericksen (Edward Asner), disgusted with the changing world, decides to take an adventure trip to Paradise Falls, a place where he and his late wife once dreamt of going. However, he has to contend with an overenthusiastic young explorer Russell (Jordan Nagai), an adorably foolish dog Dug (Bob Peterson), a pack of mutts trained by Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), idolized by Carl and his wife but doesn't seem to be what he really is. On the way, Carl doesn't redefine loyalty or any of that heavy-duty stuff, but as a human being, he becomes less of an island and more of a lovable father figure, especially in the last scene. This effort at redemption is justly rewarded. Watch the movie to understand my point.
The musical score is first class and embellishes each scene, giving it an everlasting lustre. The dialogues are witty, charming and as the old saying goes, never interfere with the narrative if not required, which leads to a truly memorable cinema experience. I'm definitely catching it again.
Take a bow, Pixar. For having introduced a synonym for excellence in motion pictures: UP.