MOVIE REVIEW: Up (U)

We are now 10 films into the Disney/Pixar collaboration which started way back in 1995 with ‘Toy Story’. Aside from the shaky ‘A Bug’s Life’ and the drawn-out ‘Cars’, the studio has rendered itself onto the cinematic landscape, earning a reputation matched only by Walt Disney’s 2D heyday in the early-to-mid 1990s. Their tenth movie, ‘Up’, has again brought us a few ‘firsts’- first animated movie to open Cannes, first Pixar movie in 3D - but can it maintain the high standard that it’s predecessors have set?

The movie centres on Carl (Voiced by Ed Asner), an elderly man whom, since the death of his wife, has grown grumpy and bitter due to never going on the trip to South America that they had planned for. When forced with eviction, he attaches thousands of coloured balloons to his house and floats towards his dream. He soon finds out, however, that not only does he have an unwanted guest in the form of a young stowaway called Russell (Jordan Nagai), but there are numerous perils awaiting them once they reach their destination.

What makes Pixar such unique storytellers is their willingness to choose unusual protagonists. That’s exactly what makes this story so compelling - the lead characters are not 20/30-somethings living in designer apartments, it’s an old man and an eight year old boy. This is exactly what makes the film so human, especially in the heart-shattering opening half-hour. But this being Disney/Pixar, it’s not long before you’re doubled over with laughter at the many hilarious moments in the film. A ‘talking’ dog, a unique bird and a fellow explorer who may not be all he seems make for a compelling and entertaining universe, even though the main cast is quite small.

Whilst he was a known TV star in the US, Asner is nonetheless a risk in as much as he is largely unknown worldwide, and was in his mid 70’s when the film was in production. Happily, he gives the kind of performance that endears you to him instantly, with the superb animation complimenting his gravely tones. Likewise, Nagai provides the perfect contrast giving a voice full of wonder and innocence. The pair make an unlikely but engaging double act, and you’re behind them all the way.

Overall, ‘Up’ is a tremendous story that will put a lump in your throat one second and have you rolling in the aisles the next. Pixar’s ethos is putting the story before star power or flashy effects, and to that end this is yet another runaway success.