Up
I read one reviewer who said, “They
don't make movies like this anymore.” It is sad but true. This
film is so moving and magical that I am having trouble describing the
joy I found in it. Despite having a terrible
title, Up is another in a long-standing tradition at Pixar to create
amazing movies. It's the story of Carl Fredrickson, a widower who
decides to move his house to South America by using helium balloons
Caught up in the adventure is young Wilderness Explorer Russel, whose
wide-eyed enthusiasm is the perfect foil to Carl's curmudgeoness.
While the plot sounds run of the mill, the execution is
extraordinary. The first 20 minutes remind us, mostly with
flawlessly executed visuals, that time is not on our side and that
life's opportunities will pass us by before we know it. We feel
Carl's loss so keenly, we can't help but be with him in his sour
disposition on life. It is a true joy to see Carl slowly come alive
by looking out of his own misery and into the needs of the people he
cares about. When the house does get to South America, Carl and
Russel engage a series of adventures involving a talking dog, a giant
bird, and other perils upon peril. But what makes Up so special is
its gigantic beating heart. Like Russel, this movie is filled with
love and awe. I was equally devastated and elated by this film. I
truly believe anyone who sees this will have a wonderful adventure.
Cross my heart.
RUNNERS UP
(500) Days of Summer – Completely
original and insightful, witty and woeful. Excellent
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
– Funniest and most tragic of the series
Star Trek – A great adventure that
gets better with repeated viewing.
Watchmen – Best possible adaptation
of the Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons masterpiece.
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