Up: joyful and imaginative; a movie review
June 7, 2009
UP is the perfect title for this bright and imaginative little cartoon. From the very beginning that carries an oddball yet magnetic story about clouds, to the snowballing finale, you will be amazed how someone could be so creative. Pixar did it again. They made a movie that is fun to watch for kids and adults, beautiful both in story and its perfect cinematographic execution. While the length of an hour and a half made many kids restless at my viewing, it's a great cartoon and you should definitely see it on big screen.
The story starts with Carl Fredricksen, a grumpy old man (perfectly unhappy and sarcastic voice by Asner, of the Mary Tyler Moore fame) who is about to go to a retirement home. Then a little 8-year old boy scout named Russell, who needs his last badge (of helping the elderly), shows up at his front door. The boy reminds him of himself. We take a glimpse at the past when Carl was a very adventurous little boy. He is exploring the world and runs into a little girl who has an even more explosive imagination. In fact, she carries a little "adventure book". These two characters are a true reflection of how inquisitive kids are. The two adventurers form a bond that turns into romance and they live happily ever after. This montage of their life together is concise yet so sweet and beautiful. Except they never get to go to their dream destination, a far-away waterfall in South America. When the plot brings us back again to the present, Carl is a sad little man who has to go to a senior living community. He is not in the mood to give away the colorful house he built together with his beloved wife, so he ties a million balloons to the house and flies up, up, and away. He is perfectly happy floating around when he notices that little Russell is on board too. Together they go through adventures and surprises and reach the dream land in South America.
It's interesting how Pixar points out that Carl looks square (representing how stubborn and stuck he is) but little Russell is round (more open, moving and happy). Despite their differences, they are brought together by their adventurous spirit and kindness. Even though Carl is a grumpy old man, he is kind enough to help Russell, the magic bird and the dog. Speaking of dogs, there are quite a few in the movie. It's interesting how each of them has a personality, and even their voices tell a story. The angry dog speaking with a cute puppy voice was a hilarious moment that had many tots around me giggling. The story is a lot of fun but also has a heart, especially the moment when Carl reads through his wife's notes in the "adventure book" and everyone wells with tears.
What I loved most about UP was not just its beautiful cinematography and quirky plot, but how uplifting it was. Every time now that I walk by the movie poster of this cartoon, I immediately sense the feeling of joy. And what a rare accomplishment for a film, to actually make you feel happy! I will be surprised if it doesn't win an Oscar (for best animation).
