Up (2009) - By tying thousands of balloons to his home, 78-year-old Carl sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years younger, inadvertently becomes a stowaway.
Reviewed by Rebecca. Please check out her blog:
Top 250 #108
Year of Release: 2009
Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Cast:
Edward Asner as Carl Fredricksen (voice)
Christopher Plummer as Charles F. Muntz. (voice)
Jordan Nagai as Russell. (voice)
Bob Peterson as Dug (voice)
This 2009 released 3D-computer animated comedy adventure movie is one more masterpiece by Pixar. The film about a grumpy old man experiencing an adventure was even nominated for five Academy Awards.
At first we get to know a little boy named Carl Fredrickson. He is a huge fan of the explorer Charles F. Muntz. Unfortunately Muntz is accused of being a cheater which really saddens him. One day little Carl makes a new friend, Ellie. She is as much of a Muntz fan as he is and Ellie finally convinces him to experience his own adventures. They dream of going to Paradise Falls, a magical place in South America where Charles Muntz discovered extraordinary things. After some time Carl’s and Ellie’s friendship becomes love. They get married, buy a house and spend their life together. They even started saving for a trip to Paradise Falls. But then Ellie falls ill and eventually dies. This turns Carl into a sad grumpy old man who doesn’t seem to like anybody.
He still lives in the old house, but because of construction plans he is supposed to sell it. Of course Carl refuses to do and even hurts a construction worker when he does some damage to Carl’s mailbox. Due to this a judge decides that Carl should be put in a retirement home. Instead of going there, Carl comes up with an amazing plan to honour Ellie. By attaching thousands of balloons, he turns his house into some flying machine that takes him to Paradise Falls.
However, what Carl didn’t notice was that Russell, a boy scout who wanted to help Carl in order to get his last badge, was hiding on his porch. Although Carl is highly annoyed by Russell, the two go to Paradise Falls together. After surviving a huge thunderstorm they eventually land on a ravine near Paradise Falls. The companions start hiking to the waterfalls. On their way they discover a bird (whom Russell names Kevin) who seems to be part of an almost extinct species and they come across a dog called Dug. The dog who is able to speak due to a special collar takes them to his master who turns out to be Charles Muntz. He spent his life searching for a bird like Kevin to prove that he wasn’t a cheater. The paranoid Muntz goes completely crazy when he finds out about Kevin and tries to catch the bird. Eventually Carl and Russell rescue Kevin and then go back home accompanied by Dug. There Carl becomes a surrogate father for Russell and he even gets the badge he was working for so hard.
Growing up with Disney movies I am always sceptical when a new film comes out. Some of the latest ones just don’t honour the feeling of the old films enough. But this one captures the spirit of the former movies and doesn’t fail to warm the audience’s heart. You just have to love this grumpy old man and the cute little Boy Scout you would like to hug throughout the whole movie. Especially Carl’s and Ellie’s love story at the beginning of the movie is enchanting. Of course the whole story is a bit foreseeable but who cares? A lot of effort was put into the characters and the appearance is almost flawless. Up is a charming movie that melts your heart with humour, some tragedy and finally a happy end that Carl and Russell both deserve.
By Rebecca.
Thanks again for doing this Rebecca!!
Although it isn’t my favourite Pixar release, it is a beautiful film to watch.Nice review Rebecca!!!
Thanks =)
What filmhipster said
.
lol!!! ha ha
The first 30 minutes or so is pure heart, it is beautiful, not my total fav but brilliant by many standards. I really liked Ratatouille.
Garry and I saw this, and liked it very much. Then Garry went again taking our granddaughter with him. But she found the movie too sad. It’s supposed to be a kid and adult movie, but our experience was that dealing with death is too much for kids. Kaity was 12 at the time. She loved “dinner with the dogs” and “squirrel!!” but found the rest depressing. It is good … but not really for kids.
The opening montage is one of my favorite things I’ve EVER seen.
Great work, Rebecca!
Thank you!
As someone who enjoys a good explosion, super powers and taking pictures of my own poo to send to my girlfriend, I’m not one to use the word “adore” often. But I adore this film. ADORE!
LOVE this. I think this and WALL-E are the best Pixar works for quite a while.
Total classic. Helped Pixar establish its reputation for non conventional animated films…
We (My Wife and I) saw “Up” when it first came out. Enjoyed it immensely especially because of its take on the plight of those of in our so called “Golden years”. Our teen aged Grand daughter was less smitten with the movie. Time for a revisit. Thanks for the excellent review.
it was a pleasure writing it =)
Great review Rebecca. Love your site name! Up was a movie I didn’t like at first, but after repeated viewings it’s really grown on me. Plus THAT music…. man oh man.
thank you very much =)
I read the other day that Rick Astley would give you any movie in his Disney collection except for one; he’s never gonna give you Up.
BOOM!! John’s here all week
Nah. I stole that one. But it’s still funny.
I’m a huge Pixar fan but I have to say Up didnt appeal to me. Then after hearing so many good reviews from all sorts of people I decided to give it a go. Once I started watching I was hooked and its now one of my favourites. I dare anyone to watch the beautiful montage of Ellie & Carls life together at the beginning and not be moved its so beautifully done. This continued as you watch the relationship between Russell and Mr.Fredrickson grow. There’s some great characters dug has to be my favourite I love the way he’s able to communicate and gives you an insight into a dog mind ‘squirrel’ and ‘the cone of shame’. Great film.
I love this feature of yours! Reviewing the IMDB Top 250. Up is fantastic! The opening 15 minutes are some of the best you’ll find!
Cheers Keith, appreciate that. Its good fun, and breaks up the horror!
I haven’t seen Up but I’ve heard it’s lovely.
Great review!
thanks =)
Good review. Still, even to this day I cry while watching this movie. So heartwarming and sweet, but very sad as well.
thank you =)
Great review. Only Pixar can make me laugh and cry in the opening of a film. I’ve shared this puppy to the max!
Thanks for sharing Mike!
No worries mate!!!
Not only a great movie but one of my favorite scores as well. I think Michael Giacchino is almost as good as John Williams.
It is a lovely movie with the first half having you grab for the Kleenex. Nice review.
Cool feature, and forces you to catch any films you missed in the top 250. Last time I checked I needed to still see 49 films on that list. Loved Up, perhaps not my favorite Pixar, film but still really good.
Wow I’ve not even seen half……. That’s why I get guest reviewers as I’m lazy
I am going to get crucified for this but I found Up just as boring as every other Disney film I’ve ever seen.
I grew up with Disney as well and I agree, a lot of their newer stuff just isn’t as good as before. Up is definitely an exception. I really loved this film! Like others have said, it isn’t my favorite among “new” Disney (I think Wall-E tops that list), but it’s certainly enjoyable and fun. Especially Dug, he was my favorite character. Nice review, by the way!
Amazing film that makes you think about life… Damn you Pixar for making people cry!
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