Review of The Blue Umbrella (2013) by Adam F — 28 Jul 2013

"The Blue Umbrella" features some of the most spectacular computer-generated animation you'll ever see. The short film is seven minutes long and follows a blue umbrella who has fallen in love with a red umbrella while their owners are out walking in the rain. The blue umbrella tries to get closer to its companion but everyday obstacles stand in the way. Ordinary objects like construction signs, mailboxes or gutters attempt to get them closer together while humans stand oblivious to the love story developing.

The animation is some of the best I've ever seen. Many times I wondered if the film was actually live action with special effects added to bring the inanimate everyday objects to life but without any proof of this, I'm simply blown away. The story leans more towards the sweet than the funny so its more for adults than kids but as a short whimsical tale and running as short as it does, it's a real treat to watch. There is so much imagination in this short film that it's hard to imagine not being entertained by it. It's truly spectacular and even a bit heartwarming. This short accompanies "Monsters University" and in 3D, it looks pretty good too thanks to the ample rain effects throughout. Something to look forward to before the movie starts or as a standalone short in the next volume of "Pixar Shorts" (3D theatrical version on the big screen, July 23, 2013).