Up (2009)

While it's a bit of a tearjerker, this movie is definitely also uplifting.


"Up" is an enchanting film that effortlessly captures the essence of humanity. The first five minutes are an absolute masterpiece. It's one of the best animated scenes Pixar has ever accomplished, one of the most poignant film sequences ever produced, and arguably one of the best scenes ever created.

This breathtaking opening is then followed by an outlandishly whimsical plot about a child inadvertently whisked away by a house that takes flight with a multitude of helium-filled party balloons. An absurd premise, yes, but somehow it manages to take a huge flight of fancy in terms of plot yet remains firmly grounded in terms of the humanity of the characters. This is the feel-good film of the year.

As audience members, we find ourselves more concerned about Carl, the old curmudgeon, than the boy who is whisked far away from his family on the adventure of his life. The movie certainly does not focus on the parents, who must be desperately searching for their child, presumably only assuming the worst. The boy, Russell, was simply looking to earn his scouts badge for helping the elderly; he certainly didn't sign up for an international trip.

While the premise might initially seem forced, you soon find yourself emotionally invested, hoping that these deeply flawed, imperfect characters will rise above their challenges. Perhaps that's the film's true charm: the movie isn't about the adventure as much as how the two people on the adventure develop and change, and what they learn as a result. Sometimes, by helping others, we learn to help ourselves.

The heart of "Up" is perfectly captured in a speech Russell gives to Carl about his father during their nighttime walk, right before bird-napper Muntz makes his move. Carl only half-listens, seeming disinterested until the final line:

"[My dad] used to come to all my Sweatlodge meetings. And afterwards, we'd go get ice cream at Fenton's. I always get chocolate and he gets butter-brickle. Then we'd sit on this one curb, right outside, and I'll count all the blue cars and he counts all the red ones, and whoever gets the most, wins. I like that curb. That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most."

The film beautifully suggests that it isn't the grand adventures that matter, but rather the simple, quality time spent together. But in order to learn this lesson, our two heroes have to go on the adventure of a lifetime. Which not only makes them both better people but bonds them into lifelong friends. Isn't it ironic?

A poignant story surrounds the movie "Up." A terminally ill six-year-old girl expressed her dying wish to see the film before its release. Pixar arranged a special pre-release screening for her in the hospital. This heartfelt gesture truly encapsulates the spirit of the film and its impact on audiences worldwide.



You should not watch Up (2009) if...

• You do not enjoy animated family-friendly movies
• You are very sensitive to emotional content and can be easily saddened
• You have a fear of heights or flying
• You prefer action-packed or horror genres
• You don't like the idea of anthropomorphized animals

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with the movie "Up"? So, we've got this kid, Russell, who's louder than a New York City traffic jam, and somehow, he manages to float away on a balloon-lifted house without his parents batting an eye. How do you not notice that? I mean, this kid is so loud, you'd think his absence would be like suddenly finding yourself in one of those noise-cancelling headphone commercials where everything goes silent.

Also, what's the deal with Disney now owning Pixar? I mean, the moment Disney gets their hands on Pixar, it's like someone in the executive office was just waiting, salivating at the chance to off a character early on. You sit down with your popcorn, ready for a fun animated adventure, and bam! They hit you with the emotional equivalent of a wrecking ball. It's like there's a rule over there: "Before we take you up, we gotta take someone down." And it's not just any character; they go straight for the heartstrings. They're crafting these beautiful stories, sure, but you have to wonder if there's a secret department dedicated to figuring out how to get the audience to use up a box of tissues in the first ten minutes. Is there an office pool on who can make the audience cry the fastest? "Hey, I got them in the first five minutes!" "Oh yeah? I made them sob before the title screen!" It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and you're not even strapped in yet!

People who loved this movie also loved...
Inside Out (2015):

If you enjoyed "Up," I'm sure you'll appreciate "Inside Out". It's directed by Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen, the same team that worked on "Up". This time around, they venture inside a young girl's mind to personify her conflicting emotions. The result is an incredibly creative and emotionally resonant story that has been praised for its inventive concept as well as its touching depiction of growing up.

Wall-E (2008):

Another Pixar masterpiece you should consider is "Wall-E". Directed by Andrew Stanton, it tells the tale of a cute and curious robot left behind on Earth as humans have fled the planet. This film has minimal dialogue but manages to create a moving story through beautiful animation and rich characterisation. The environmental message and poignant portrayal of loneliness makes this movie a must-watch.

The Incredibles (2004):

This is a thrilling superhero movie that combines action, adventure, and comedy in one neat package. Directed by Brad Bird, "The Incredibles" presents the story of a family of superheroes trying to live a normal life under assumed identities. It is a visually spectacular and thoughtful film that examines family dynamics, societal expectations, and the concept of heroism in a deeply engaging way.

Finding Nemo (2003):

A touching tale of a clownfish’s journey to find his lost son, "Finding Nemo" is another illustrious film from Pixar. Directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich, it takes you on a visually stunning underwater voyage filled with adventure, humor, and lessons about love and brotherhood. The film's lighthearted take on parental love and the courage of a child has been applauded by audiences worldwide.

Moana (2016):

"Moana" is a refreshingly modern Disney animated film that delivers a potent message about self-discovery and identity. Caught between fulfilling her duties as the next chieftain of her tribe and her passion for the ocean, Moana sets on a daring mission to save her people. The movie is celebrated for its splendid animation, memorable songs, inspiring narration, and representation of Polynesian culture.

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