Count this so far as the season for really terrific animated movies. Here comes Up, new this weekend, and it is absolutely fantastic! Monsters Vs. Aliens a couple of months ago was fine movie making, and Up is the next big thing.
Fantastically animated, brilliantly produced, and wonderfully written, Up is this summers Wall*E. It's an animated movie that really speaks to adults as well as kids. In fact, Up spends most of it's time speaking directly to adults. Then mix in an upbeat, sensitive and very eclectic soundtrack you not only have one of the best summer movies, but one of the years best too.
Up is the fantastical story of 78 year old Carl. He is a retired balloon salesman whose wife Ellie just passed away. They never had any children, and their adventure in life was their adventure together. They met as children and always wanted to go to the land of their childhood idol they would watch in Saturday afternoon newsreels in South America, called Paradise Falls. They never made it. So after Ellie dies, Carl decides to use his house as his blimp, and floats away with the help of a million helium balloons.
Along for the ride is Russell, a nice little boy who is trying to earn a merit badge for helping the elderly. They set a course for Paradise Falls, and way they (and we) go!. Carl and Russell meet more friends along the way, and have adventures a plenty. Battling the elements, nature and even some villains along the way. Carl and Russell find that because of life's circumstances, they need each others friendship more than they know. And they team up to take on whatever they may encounter.
Up is a very powerful movie. It has a real social conscience, and addresses very skillfully some of the real strong issues that face both the young and the old in today's world. And it takes them on, head on. Up will make you laugh, and cry, and make you hold your breath a time or two. I was totally amazed on how this movie captures perfectly life in our world today, and at the same time taking you to a make believe world so far away. It is the perfect marriage of reality and fantasy.
I will tell you there are times that Up is very intense, and does earn a PG-13 rating. But over all there is a nice feeling to this movie, and trumps the moments that can make you a bit uncomfortable. Be advised too, Up is available to see in regular screening, or in the new 3-D, which is wonderful.
There are many words to describe Up. Let's use this one - fantastic. Worth every minute!
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