FILM FREAK: 3 buckets
MOVIE GEEK'S REVIEW:
Let's take a moment to recap Pixar's slate of films in their 14 year history.
In 1995, Pixar released "Toy Story", which started a wonderful trend of family films that includes: "A Bug's Life", "Toy Story 2", "Monster's Inc.", "Finding Nemo", "The Incredibles", "Cars", "Ratatouille", "Wall-E", and now their tenth film "Up".
As you can see, Pixar seems to have this knack for creating, well frankly, masterpieces.
I'm glad to report that "Up" continues this trend, and some may consider it even better than Pixar's more recent films "Ratatouille", and "Wall-E".
Ed Asner voices Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old retired balloon salesman who ties thousands of balloons to his home in order to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America.
However, right after lifting off he learns he isn't along on his journey, since Russell, an eight-year-old wilderness explorer, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.
Seems like a simple idea right? Come on, this is Pixar! There is so much more to this emotional rollercoaster of a film.
Yes, I did say emotional rollercoaster! Pixar is known to flirt with dangerous territory when it comes to their storylines, but they sell them in such a way that keeps the kids in their seats.
I really love the first 15-20 minutes of exposition in this film. Rather than explaining life, they show us. The way they reveal the history of Carl Fredricksen is so beautiful and painful to watch. It's filmmaking at its finest.
I think this maybe Pixar's most genuinely funny film. Not to say that Pixar films lack humor, but if you think of their most recent entries, humor definitely doesn't come fast and furious.
Of course, those films don't have talking dogs either! And yes, talking animal films have been a dime a dozen in the past 20 years, but again, this is Pixar! They've found a way to re-invent the idea and make it funny and new all over again.
The idea of collars that can take dog's thoughts and translate them into any human language is just down right hilarious and had my 4-year-old nephew and I in stitches.
I'm still reeling about how everything unfolds in the film. Sometimes it's quiet and thought provoking, and the next minute it's an amazing action adventure. The last act in particular is just as exhilarating as the last acts of "Monster's Inc.", and "Toy Story 2".
No surprise, it's another Pixar film that will require multiple viewings by every member of your family, as there is something for everyone to love about "Up".
3 and a half buckets.
By the way, Pixar continues its trend of having a short film play before the feature. "Partly Cloudy" is simply fantastic as well.
FILM FREAK'S REVIEW:
My fellow geek and I both enjoyed this film, but unlike him, I won't say that this is another home run by Disney/Pixar, (Disney is the parent company of ABC12).
However, I will agree that they another good film on their hands, a very good one.
Any movie that keeps the young or even the young at heart wide-eyed in anticipation of what happens next is a good sign and "UP" delivers on that aspect.
It tells a great story, keeping you interested and entertained throughout. However, there are a decent amount of slow moments, and I'm a guy who would've rather liked a little more time spent with action rather than development, but I guess you can't have everything.
All that said, it's definitely still worth checking out.
3 buckets.
