Review of Up (2009) by William C — 05 Nov 2015

Animation has had its marks throughout its short history before Up, you have Toy Story really being Pixar's massive contribution and in truth the introduction to computer-animated movies. Up I feel should be remembered for being a massive step in not only how animation is done visually, but also how animations can be compared on the same level as any other movie out there. This is truly a masterpiece, it builds itself into an emotional rollercoaster that also makes you laugh and really this is exactly how to do animation perfectly.

The story see's Carl Fredricksen an old man living by himself after his wife has died, that isn't where the plot picks up from though no, first it has to toy with your emotions and oh man the start to this film is tough to not feel something for. We see Carl's life and it has been good to him, it had its hard moments but most times he and his wife were extremely happy together, until she passed away and that is where the story picks up from. Carl made a promise to his wife to set up a house on top of a place called "Paradise Falls", a large waterfall somewhere in South America, and he is going to do it with balloons of all things. The film sways around, frantic at times and then sweet again and although that may not sound so good, it is in fact timed to perfection; the movie never loses momentum and keeps you watching from the first second to the last.

Pixar haven't just made a great film, they've made an astounding one and also one that very much deserved its Best Picture nomination at the 82nd Academy awards. Pete Docter directs this in a visually stunning way, he not only gets the most out of the rich colours on offer, but he also puts things in that look amazingly real. Jonas Rivera's script is fine as well and really lays the foundations for all the comedy side if this; this is really one movie where physical humour is entwined well with comedy in dialogue. The characters are fantastically developed as well with not only Carl well done, the young boy Russell is finely thought up as well, he and Carl create one of the best duo's in animation movies.

The way in which it also uses it's colour to bring out everything is even more impressive, the fine tones of the clothing, the beautiful animation style and the just general way in which this flows is beautiful. It is such a loveable movie as well, one that is maybe recommended for the kids but this is one for the adults too because this is one thing that can make anyone cry, whether that be by the funny bits in this or the heart wrenching moments.

So Up, one of the best animations ever, for sure. I don't really have a group of people I would recommend this to but I mean that in a way where I believe that anyone can enjoy this. It's one of Pixar's finest for years and shows they are one of the most consistent movie churners out there, producing film after film that are not only movies that are financially successful, but also one's with big hearts as well.