Review of Up (2009) by Hilla S — 02 Jan 2018

Strengths: There's a reason Pixar is the heavyweight champion when it comes to animated films. Everything in this film hits the right notes. I'll start with the opening ten or so minutes. It consists of one of the most touching and heartbreaking montages you'll ever see. They crafted a stronger love story in ten minutes than most movies can do in two hours. Hell, some TV shows can't even do this over the course of several seasons. I've seen it several times and it always chokes me up. The film masterfully weaves the emotional stuff with the fun adventure that kids come to see. Carl Fredrickson (Ed Asner) is a great protagonist. He's flawed and haunted by missing his wife, yet likable. Russell (Jordan Nagai) is a great sidekick with his own sad tale. You feel for him when he talks about his absentee father. Dug (Bob Peterson) and Kevin (Pete Doctor) made for fun side characters, with Dug stealing the show as cute comic relief. The score is a highlight and, like everything Pixar does, it's visually stunning.

Weaknesses: If I had to pick one issue, I'd say the movie doesn't exactly work for all kids. A lot of the younger audience won't understand some of the story pieces. That's just nitpicking, though.

Overall: If it wasn't for Toy Story, I firmly believe Up would be their greatest creation. It's wonderful in every way and very deserving of the Best Picture nomination it received.