Pixar has delivered a true classic adventure that is both heartfelt and uplifting. Up is filled with joy, sadness, and suspense as it tells one of the most dramatic stories to grace the screen in recent years. No characters have ever been so authentic in an animated film before.
Up revolves around Carl Fredricksen who has spent his whole life hoping to explore the world and to live grand adventures. Now at age 78 Carl feels as if has unfulfilled this life long dream and decides to finally take on a new adventure by traveling to South America. He’s accompanied on his journey with the persistent boy scout Russell who soon shows Carl sides of life he has never seen before. While on their grand adventure they become close friends who must strive through the many mishaps they encounter on their journey.
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Unlike many animated films that get lost in countless pop culture jokes, Up is grounded to character and story first, while conveying a earnest sense of comedy. The story is told on such a rich, luxurious level that it reaches dramatic tension that many films lack. It’s confidently heartfelt and filled with emotion. The opening fifteen minutes are incredible. The instance Carl appears on screen and his earlier life is told we immediately feel united in his adventure. As the film proceeds more layers about Carl are revealed just like every other character. Each interaction Carl has progresses his character arc. This film is also never afraid to put the characters in danger. When the characters are thrown into peril the film presents non-stop edge of your seat thrills. Another standout is the beautiful colorful imagery. It is visually aesthetic from the the animals to even the balloons on Carl’s house. Every character and object is vibrant and ravishingly detailed.
Carl is a character that brings reward with extensive investment. Edward Asner, providing his voice for the role, grasps a feeling of sentiment. He creates Carl as a hard-edged, old man with a heart, contributing to the fact that Carl is consistently involving. Another stand out is the boy scout Russell who is voiced by Jordan Nagai. Russell could have easily become a burden to watch, but instead becomes lovable just as much as Carl. Russell is not the cliche annoying kid, he too contains depth and emotion. Another actor to be praised is the legendary Christopher Plummer, who’s iconic voice immediately disappears in his mysterious character Charles Muntz. Charles plays a much bigger part in the story during second and third act, where he ends up becoming an intriguing mischievous character.
Up is a masterful breakthrough that brings out strong emotions that most dramatic films are inept of achieving. No other animated film has done this in such a profound way. It transcends all the accomplishments set before it by previous animated films and it is a genuine original film. Up is Pixar’s best film yet.