Disney & Pixar's "Up"

Up

"Thanks for the adventure. Now go have one of your own."

Ah, finally, I think I'll be able to begin my review of Up! After seeing it more times than I could ever count, hah, I'm feelin' like I know my way around.

So, Up is a tale about an elderly man, Carl Fredricksen, who after spending a lifetime with his dream girl, Ellie, decides to fulfill her dream of living by Paradise Falls in South America. However, not all goes as planned. Along the way, he gets stuck with an overly eager Wilderness Explorer, Russell, who is so completely intent on getting his "Assisting the Elderly" badge that he follows Mr. Fredricksen into South America to "assist" him all the way. Russell then meets Kevin, the elusive bird of Paradise Falls, and Dug, a talking dog. Together, Mr. Fredricksen and Russell set off to put the house by Paradise Falls and end up on an adventure to rescue Kevin from the crazy explorer Charles Muntz, with a bit of help from the ever faithful, Dug.

I found UP to be a very powerful tale of love, loss, and companionship in the most unexpected people and places. Who knew that one cranky old man, heartbroken and on an adventure to fulfill his wife's dream, would find friends in a young boy, a "talking" dog, and an odd bird from South America? And of course, said cranky old man, had a complete change of heart. From being tired with the world, to content with the new family he made. Typical Disney. Ah, the world will never cease to be amazed.

The music was, as expected, fantastic. It was so versatile. The main theme could go from a slow, peaceful pace to an adventurous sounding melody. It even helped move the movie along at points with no words (ahem, the beginning) and it was a wonderful way to transition from scene to scene. I love, in particular, when Carl gives Russell the "Ellie Badge." In that moment the music just means a lot to the movie and you can see an entire transition from the hard, callused Carl to a man who has a heart for another family and a new adventure.

It is safe to say that Up was one in a million. Great job to the crew at Pixar. Such an original plot, a brand new story, and a great group of fresh characters that everyone could fall in love with. Up is wonderful for any age, young and old, because it can capture all spectrums of interest and everyone's sprit of adventure.

-Marisa