‘Up’ is Pixar animation studios’ latest computer animated film which follows widower Carl Fredricksen and young Wilderness Explorer Russell as they travel to South America in a house suspended by helium balloons.
As a young boy Carl meets and later marries tomboy Ellie, who shares his enthusiasm for exploring and his admiration for esteemed South American Explorer Charles F. Muntz. Upon losing his wife to cancer, Carl decides to fulfil an old promise he made to Ellie by taking her in spirit at least to South America.
The plan takes flight when Carl attacks a construction worker who accidentally knocks over his post box and is forced into a retirement home. However, before they take him away Carl attaches hundreds of helium balloons on to his house which he then uses as his craft to take him to South America while an innocent and unassuming young boy, Russell gets dragged along for the ride.
‘Up’ was only the second animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards while receiving a further four nominations and winning two including Best Animated Feature.
It is a difficult task to put an opinion on paper especially in a few words when this film has got me going like a five year old on a sugar rush at Christmas. The film’s plot is original and interesting enough but it is the depth of character that the film’s direction possesses that makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
I have my doubts if the younger audience would enjoy it as much as some of the other simpler animations that have come our way before but the film’s depth and humour can really be appreciated by mature audiences which it was probably meant for.
Pete Doctor who is no stranger to animated films directs the piece beautifully exporting some of his quirky methods from his previous work in Monsters Inc.
Up possesses true beauty in every frame using a mix of melancholy settings with an array of bright characters to create its own unique visual appeal. Its characters are also original and multi-dimensional, making sure to steer well clear of what we’ve seen before. Supported well with some great voice acting, Up’s characters will go down as some of the most moving creations in this genre alongside some of the most unforgettable characters of our time.
This film is one of the most touching feature films of its genre to ever hit the big screen and certainly is the most worthy recipient of a best picture nomination since Beauty and the Beast in 1991.
Overwhelmingly sad in parts but ultimately uplifting, this comedy animation will have you crying and laughing right throughout the journey. This film comes highly recommended with the guarantee that it will not go unappreciated by anyone.
Up is truly worthy of standing besides the other nominees for Best Picture this year while it truly puzzles me why it did not walk away with more than just a nomination.
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