Up Movie Review (2009)
Directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
Writing credits
Screenplay by Bob Peterson and Pete Docter
Story by Pete Docter, Thomas McCarthy, and Bob Peterson
Featuring the voice talent of:
Edward Asner as Carl Fredricksen
Christopher Plummer as Charles Muntz
Jordan Nagai as Russell
Bob Peterson as Dug / Alpha
Alright, I admit it. I foolishly judged a book by its cover and dragged my heels when asked by my wife, Bookie, to screen the Pixar animated film, Up. But who could blame me? Seriously… given the Summer of Shattered Childhood Memories, brought to you by greedy film producers and soulless Hasbro executives, who could honestly hold me accountable for selling Disney’s illegitimate child company short? I mean, granted, Disney only distributed the film, but I don’t trust anything handled by them anymore (For Christ’s sake… they are responsible for unleashing The Jonas Brothers on us!)
(Before I continue, one last thing about Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; I can’t wait for the DVD. No seriously. I want to be the first to search for it on Amazon.com because I know the bottom of the page will read, “People who enjoyed this film also purchased: 10,000 B.C., Ghost Dad, Waterworld, Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, a Flowbee, the Thigh Master, a fricken blanket with sleeves, a box of Pet Rocks, and a gallon of untreated pig excrement.” OK, back to the review.)
And if this year’s colossal summer blockbuster disappointments weren’t bad enough – I’m looking at you too, Wolverine!!! – everything about the film Up seemed to be rejecting my demographic. It was filmed in 3-D, a medium I’ve always found distracting and an overload of my senses. The characters were drawn in a stylized design that was rather blocky, unremarkable, and downright ugly. But the most cringe-worthy facet that drove my preconceptions was the fact that the main characters were a grumpy old man, a fat, obnoxious kid, and a talking dog. That’s right; a talking dog. At first blush, those characters couldn’t have been less appealing if they were also joined by Scooby-Doo, the animated Harlem Globetrotters, animated Abbot and Costello, Kid-Friendly Batman and Robin, and The Wiggles.
I finally relented during our Independence Day outing, as a small consolation for missing the local fireworks display. Despite the ominous foreshadowing, the film Up was quite enjoyable. Though slightly formulamatic and somewhat predictable, the character development had unexpected depth, the plot was engaging and interesting, and overall, the film was comical and touching.
The main character, Carl Fredricksen, is a senior citizen. The beginning of the film depicts his wonderful life with his tomboy childhood friend and eventual wife, Ellie. After losing Ellie to old age, Carl becomes a bitter, grumpy old man, holding onto his past with his beloved wife, and a promise he made her. Think of the 2006 film Rocky Balboa without the testosterone, choppy, marble-mouthed dialogue, and brain trauma.
After embarrassing circumstances force him to give up his land to a progressive corporation and enter a retirement home, Carl delivers the ultimate “eff-you” and flies his home away with a plethora of small hot-air balloons. Yes, I know it’s ridiculous, but it’s a cartoon, so settle down. Prior to floating away, he grudgingly meets and befriends a young wilderness explorer named Russell, who is trying to earn his merit badge for assisting the elderly.
I won’t give away any more of the plot. This film has to be experienced first-hand. It will change viewer’s perspectives. I entered the theatre disappointed about the direction of the film industry and depressed about life in general. I left with a surreal calm, a renewed faith in the artistry of cinema, and a greater appreciation for the finite journey of humanity and its cherished relationships. My wife, initially disappointed by our missing the Fourth of July fireworks display, took her seat as an unapproachable, grumpy, volatile mess, and left with a serene smile on her face, gripping my hand just a bit tighter.
Imagine that; a blockbuster summer film with plot, emotional content, and satisfaction without explosions or high-end CGI graphics. Is that still possible?
The Grades
Story: Formulamatic and a tad predictable, but deeply moving, funny, creative, and touching. Grade: B+
Acting: Edward Asner is outstanding. Jordan Nagai is engaging in an annoying, but adorable way, just like most kids. Bob Petersen’s voice talents are hilarious. Grade: A
Visuals: For 3D, the visuals were pedestrian at best. The characters emoted well, despite looking like rejects from the Sunday morning funny papers. Grade: C+
Originality/Innovation: This was one of those clichéd self-discovery tales that somehow resonated with my inner-wuss. It hit me similar to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, except that instead of a breakup, a beloved spouse ended her journey due to old age. The plots are similar; relish the joys in life, however fleeting, and keep it moving. Only an emo kid could find fault in that moral. Grade: B
Enjoyability Grade: This film has the power to end petty arguments. What’s not to enjoy about that? Grade: A
Date Material: Abso-freakin-loutely. Grade: A+
Contemporary Element (Will it be watchable two decades from now?): I’d give this film a Finding Nemo rating, which was the film that Bookie and I used as our night-light for several months. Yes, that is a good thing. Grade: A
Redeeming Quality: Grade: N/A
Overall Grade: A-
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