Quick Movie Review: Up (2009)

Up (2009)

Bottomline: You must see it. Seriously. Now. Why are you still reading this? Go see the movie.

Pros: It's another Pixar masterpiece. What else do you want to know?

Cons: It's Rated PG. It's only the second Pixar film not be Rated G (the other is The Incredibles (2004)). The beginning sequence is poignant and could cause an issue with youngsters (heck, it made us adults misty). Then there is gunplay and a death. Also. . .I wasn't crazy about the Pixar short that preceded the feature film.

QMR Opinion: I keep waiting. I keep waiting on Pixar to stub their toes. To make a truly bad film. There have been 10 Pixar films thus far with at least two of them that should have been Oscar-nominated for Best Picture (The Incredibles (2004) and WALL-E (2008)). Up is the 10th Pixar film and it ranks among the best Pixar has to offer.

The director is Pete Docter, who also directed Pixar's Monsters Inc. (2001). Giving voice to Carl Frederickson is Ed Asner (of Mary Tyler Moore fame) and to Russell is Jordan Nagai. Christopher Plummer gives voice to Charles Muntz, a famous explorer.

What is it that makes Pixar so different from other animated films? Or, for that matter, many other films in general? Pixar films offer the whole package -- magnificent stories, expertly told, brought to life by pitch perfect direction and acting. Plus, you get the sophisticated humor that is accessible to both children and adults. It's been a long time since I've laughed as hard in a movie like this.

Honestly, if for no other reason, you should see it for the opening sequence which walks us through the first 70+ years of Carl's life. We are introduced to Carl's wife, Ellie. Ellie is, to put it mildly, a pistol. They meet. They fall in love. They get married. They plan great adventures. Then real life shows up.

Young Russell shows up just when Carl needs him most (although Carl doesn't realize it). Thus begins Carl's great adventure.

Let's face it, I am biased when it comes to Pixar films. I own them all. I watch them over and over. I geek out over the detail (Carl's razor stubble, the hint of a rainbow at Paradise Falls, etc.). I laugh at all the jokes ("Do I dig the hole after or before?"). I love the insider stuff (John Ratzenberger is the only actor to be in all 10 Pixar films). I think the animation work is above and beyond anything anyone else is doing (and, yes, that includes the Japanese stuff). So, you know I'm going to like this movie and I do. So, for those of you who are inclined to slough off any animated feature as "kid's stuff," I would encourage you to go see Up and remember what it's like to truly revel in the movie-going experience.

Sidenote: Up is offered in both 3-D and 2-D. I saw it in 3-D and it was spectacular. However, I've read Docter being quoted as saying that they filmed the movie purposefully to not include the standard 3-D gags. He sees 3-D as simply adding more dimension to an already terrific movie. My point here is that you don't have to pay the extra dollars to see it in 3-D in order to truly enjoy the film.

Up is an inspiring, funny, poignant film that will touch even the hardest of hearts. It opened in theaters all over the country on May 29.