By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn’t alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.
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The “Everyone’s A Critic” Review
Pixar have done it again; even after 15 years these guys seem incapable of putting a foot wrong.
On paper, it seemed like their hardest sell; the lead of the picture is a 70 year old man, not a cute fish or robot. But after a beautiful opening sequence that introduces us to Carl through snippets of his life from young boy to old man, you completely understand why he is the way he is and why this adventure is so important to him.
The adventure in question is a trip to Paradise Falls in South America; a destination to which he promised he would take his late wife. With his house on the verge of demolition, Carl decides to take his world (and all he has left of the life with his wife – his house) with him, floating to the skies thanks to a thousand helium balloons.
Along for the ride is Russell, a young adventurer is own right,who accidentally stows away on the flying house.
Once the house is in the air, Pixar hits us with a wonderous look at an epic adventure through the eyes of both young and old, thereby capturing the imagination of the entire audience. The views of this unique location are stunning and the story allows for fun for the kids (talking dogs, a colourful bird) and some real emotion for the grown-ups (any scene about Carl’s wife brings a tear to the eye).
As usual, there are lessons to be learned for the characters,but they are conveyed in a way that never feels forced. The film is well paced, and be sure catch the 3D version, this makes you feel like you are right there for the ride. Also, I defy anyone to not shed a tear in the films final shot.
Once again, the Pixar boys have triumphed, proving that the key to a wonderful film is an equally wonderful story. Do not miss “Up”.