Another brilliant animated film from Pixar

Rating: 10/10 (25 October 2009)

No one at the moment can match Pixar in the world of CGI animation at the moment. They made a lot of instant classics, with only one film being a flop (Cars). No one in Hollywood has even come close, and all studios should follow the Pixar philosophy of story comes first.
The plot of Up tells the story of Carl Fredricksen (Edward Asner), an elderly man who's wife Ellie had died and about to face evident from his home. Instead of giving in and going to live in a retirement home, Carl decides to go on the adventure trip to South America that he and his wife were never about to do. He attaches hundreds of helium balloons to his house and floats to South America. But he has a stowaway, Russell (Jordan Nagai), an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer. When the two reach South America, they come to a strange rainforest, with a large colourful bird which loves chocolate and Russell calls Kevin, and a Golden Retrevier called Dug (Bob Peterson) who has a collar that allows him to talk. With this jungle is a mad elderly explorer, Charles F. Muntz (Christopher Plummer), and Carl and Ellie's childhood hero. He created the collars to allow his pack of dogs to speak, and wants to capture the bird to show to the world.
Pixar has a strong philosophy which obviously works. They have a old-fashion style but it works. They is a strong story and character development. The actors in this film were casted because they had the right voice, not cause they are a big name actor. This is a right move, especially because children don't care who voices the film, only if they are good. They is brilliant designs, direction, with excellent jokes, especially Russell and the dogs. There are sight gags, slapstick, but also some more adult-aimed jobs involving observational humour. There is also a good amount of action, some reminding me of Peter Jackson's version of King Kong. They is a emotion element, especially the montage at the beginning of the film. It makes you feel sad for Carl and Ellie. Pixar films also often trend to have a message about family relationships, like Finding Nemo and the Incredibles. This time the focus is on the love between Carl and Ellie, the surrogate relationship between Carl and Russell and Russell need for a fatherly figure. There is also the themes of unfulfilled dramas and hero worship.
A perfectly enjoyable film for the whole family.