With Setra clearly having control of video game reviews, I thought I'd both add a little variety to the review thread and indulge my own personal need to be a critic and start reviewing movies. And what a better place to start than with one of the summer's blockbusters, Up. As some of you might know, Up is the latest film by Pixar, a company that specialises in animated features that kick the shit out of most mainstream movies in nearly every catagory. I personally grew up on a diet of Toy Story, and have seen every other Pixar movie at least once. I love Pixar movies, so I had high hopes for Up. So, is is another smash hit or a lead balloon?
I'll just go right out and say it: Up is a freaking fabulous movie and EVERYONE should go see it. I could leave it at that, but I hope I have more integrity, so I'll elaborate on why Up is so special.
Up is the tale of Carl Fredrickson, an aging balloon salesman whose dreams of a South American adventure with his wife are smashed by her untimely death. Unable to accept her loss and move on, Carl hatches up a scheme to fly his house to Paradise Falls and live out his days in his wifes fantasy. Using hundreds of balloons, Carl sets off, picking up a stow away, Wilderness Scout Russel, along the way. Once they arrive in South America, Carl and Russel have the adventure that Carl has always wanted.
I won't give anything more away, but needless to say that the story is both endearing and charming enough to please even my cynical tastes.
Part of what makes Up so great is it takes risks that can't be done to the same effect in live action. The opening sequence, which depicts Carl and his wife growing old together, uses no voices and little sound, with only music to accompany the visuals. And yet, this sequence is some of the hardest hitting, emotionally rich and brilliant pieces of cinema in years. It's great to see a studio that really cares about it's characters in the way Pixar does.
Of course, the visuals are stunning, living up to Pixars ridiculously high standards. Stellar sound and voice acting round out the films spot on script to perfections point.
For all my ravings though, the film is not withought faults. The ending bits turn to the action side, which isn't super entertaining and the talking dogs (whoops) are a little to stupid to take seriously. But, you know what, I can forgive up for these flaws, because what it does it pulls of with such ease and joy that you barely notice.
For audiences of all ages, I highly recomend Up. I wish I could go into more detail, but Up is something you need to experience and can't be described or ruined. Just go see it, and be glad you did.
4.5/5
PS. Mad love to Pixar for the animated shorts are the start. Again, it rocks the house.