Pixar’s UP review

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Pixar’s UP review

16 June 2009No CommentPosted by Phil

Beware of minor spoilers.

Each new year I always sit with anticipation for the next film to be put out by Pixar Studios, considered by many to be the best studio, period, for the work they've done. It isn't a lie that every single film they've done to date have been a critical success, it's a fact. Even the film considered to be the worst Pixar film, Cars, is still critically acclaimed. Last year, one of my favorite films which eventually ended up on my top 10 list, Wall-E, went on to win the Oscar for Best Animated Film which, to be honest, was believed to have no competition, and it really didn't. I scored it a 10 out of 10 - I think it is an amazing film. This year is another year, however!

This past week I finally got a chance to see UP which I couldn't see when it premiere a couple of weeks ago. Prior commitments took precedence over the premiere. As it goes with many films in early development or even in principle photography, I either don't get that excited or I don't follow it in the news as much as everyone else would. The reason being A) I don't care and I'm waiting to be enticed by a trailer B) I don't feel the need to be spoiled or C) I know it's going to be good anyways, so I'll just wait to talk about it after I see it. In this case the reason obviously was not A. It was a little bit of B but mostly C. Whatever the concept of the film, I knew it was probably going to be fantastic. As for the concept, I'll admit, I was a little taken back when I heard it was going to be about an old man that moves his house by using a crap load of balloons - then again, it's Pixar, so whatever.

Pixar Studios accomplishes so much with their animated films - they take a theme, animate it, give it top-notch dialog, make it colorful, funny, exciting and gears towards not only kids but also adults. No other studio can claim that! Sure, Dreamworks makes good animated films but their films are meant for kids and that is obvious with their content. Don't misunderstand, I like Dreamworks animated movies, for example; Kung Fu Panda is a good movie and I really liked this years Monsters vs. Aliens. As a fan of cinema, having the two different takes on the animated genre is great! Pixar is good for meaningful rich issues while Dreamworks is good for simple fun, both being funny and entertaining.

Over the years, one of the biggest complaints is that Pixar films never get nominated in the Best Picture category during the Academy Awards, and for many other award ceremonies as a matter of fact. I'm in agreement with those who believe that Pixar films should not only be stuck to just the Best Animated Film category because, let's face it, Pixar films are better than some of those films that actually win Best Picture. I don't think anyone will contest me say that Wall-E is a better film than Frost/Nixon (although not 2008 winner). I think some can argue that it's better than Slumdog Millionaire! Wall-E should have had the nomination, however, the Academy doesn't seem to work like that which is unfair and total bull. Each new year comes the hope that Pixar can continue towards the next level. Can UP reach the level so it is recognized as a Best Picture nominee? Hell, by the time it reaches that level, according to Academy standards, it will probably win the Best Picture Oscar. UP without a doubt has a good chance, however, I'll admit that I like Wall-E better but that's only because of my bias for science fiction.

"Up, a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell." [Pixar] Directed by Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson, UP stars Edward Asner as Carl, Christopher Plummer as Charles Muntz and Jordan Nagai as Russell.

To be honest, it is really difficult to review a Pixar film because it is basically the same old story every time - great story, with great characters that are endearing, rich and funny. That alone, basically, sums up the entire film. Even still, I want to point out a few thing I found fantastic.

One of the things I've been looking at more and more this year are the opening titles, acts or teasers of a film before the whole of the movie actually beings. So far the most notable of 2009 have been from Duplicity, Watchmen and recently Star Trek. UP will definitely be a film added to that list because the beginning of this movie shows the whole life of Carl in a few short minutes leading up to the beginning of the story. Granted, most of what is seen will go over the heads of kids but adults will be able to pick up on a lot. I love seeing how Carl meets for the first time the woman he eventually marries but I think its safe to say that at the end of the opening sequence, many people would be a little misty eyed at what transpires. It's happy, funny but mostly sad - that's ok because it sets up where Carl is emotionally when the film really begins; it plays into the story and gives him motivation for doing what he wants to do.

Among many other points in this film, there is a lot to love about UP. It's very funny, most of the comedy coming from the dog characters who are characterized as characters that interact with Carl and Russell by talking to them (through means of a device), with one helping them, but most attacking Carl and Russell. Even so, they're still just dogs who react to things that dogs normally react to, for example; squirrels and tennis balls. Comedy also comes from the big bird creature, Kevin, who helps Carl and Russell which is also the mcguffin for our characters. Kevin is huge and hisses, among other things, which I think is funny.

As in every Pixar movie, UP has a heart and an in depth story told so well it will most likely take another Oscar for Best Animated Film. The story is a story meant for adults - kids won't understand it but it really doesn't matter because UP brings everything to the table - it's totally fun and kids will have a great time seeing it.

The only problem I have with UP is that it seems very formulaic, at least with the characters back stories. Take a moment and compare the back stories from UP and Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino. An old man who recently lost his wife, is alone, being pushed into a retirement home then befriends a young Asian boy who has no father, etc. It's all to similar but at the same time makes perfect sense on were these characters end up emotionally, hence the reason why it seems formulaic.

UP is one of 2009's best films so far. It isn't as spectacular as 2008's Wall-E and it isn't my favorite film of the year so far, but it can not be denied that UP is a wonderful movie that everyone should see! Just like all Pixar films, it's fun, rich and an overall good time. On a scale of 1 to 10, UP easily scores a 9.5 out of 10.