Up (2009)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  A fun and very well uplifting film lol.

• Daniel M

  
  The work of PIXAR is held in such high standing that any hint of criticism runs the risk of seemingly deliberately contrary or obtuse. While we may be fans of PIXAR's output, and wish the films and their creators nothing but success, it is always dangerous to presume that their… More
  The work of PIXAR is held in such high standing that any hint of criticism runs the risk of seemingly deliberately contrary or obtuse. While we may be fans of PIXAR's output, and wish the films and their creators nothing but success, it is always dangerous to presume that their latest offering will be a masterpiece by way of association - a point which I fleshed out in my review of Ratatouille not so long ago. Viewed in cold and clinical terms, Up doesn't come close to challenging the likes of Toy Story or Finding Nemo for the jewel in PIXAR's crown. Its relatively simple plot and increasingly goofy tendencies prevent it from achieving the same level of universal appeal. But there is enough enjoyment and emotional attachment which the film brings to prevent it from being seen in such clinical terms, even by the cynical hyenas patiently waiting for PIXAR to drop the ball, or let go of the balloon. When WALL-E was released in 2008, many critics commented on the film's opening 20 minutes being of a different and perhaps superior tone to the rest of the film. The opening act, featuring WALL-E roaming the abandoned Earth, is effectively an animated retuning of Silent Running which uses the language of silent cinema to great effect. Similarly, many critics who saw Up were impressed with the opening montage but relatively underwhelmed by what followed. Regardless of what follows it, the opening of Up is brilliant. Like WALL-E it has its roots in silent film, insofar as it employs physical gesture and the shapes of the characters to convey a narrative. It is so effective in doing this that we can move through a lifetime in a matter of minutes, feeling as though we know every foible and memory that these characters have developed and shared together. The recurring images of jars being broken, stumbling up hills and balloons floating provide both poignancy and continuity. We go through a whole gamut of emotions, ending up with a teary eye and a broken heart. Up is a relatively mature children's film, insofar as it deals with the disappointment that results from our high expectations of life. We see Carl coming to terms with the death of his wife and recognising that his life hasn't turned out the way he planned. There never was a great adventure to South America, and many of their smaller aspirations (such as having children) never materialised. This disappointment is also present in the character of Charles Muntz, played by Christopher Plummer. There is something of a Heart of Darkness quality to Carl's discovery of his boyhood hero: both Muntz and Kurtz have reputations which were near-perfect, before disappearing after a tarnishing mistake. But while the film accepts that such disappointments will inevitably come our way, the message of Up is that we should not lose the spirit of adventure or the passions that gave us our ambitions in the first place. There is a touching bitter-sweetness to the film which comes out in the moments of recognition on the part of Carl, the most touching being the discovery of Ellie's message in the back of her adventure book. For all the sad moments the film is ultimately very uplifting and valedictory. Taken in terms of pure entertainment, Up is really good fun. There are a wide range of good jokes on offer, ranging from the comic interplay between Carl and Russell to the squeaky voice of Alpha and the wide shots showing our heroes pulling the house along the cliffs. The chase sequences are suspenseful and well-designed, and the final aerial set-piece is pretty well-structured. The sight of Russell squeaking and scraping along the airship's windows will raise many a chuckle or guffaw. The other huge plus point of Up is its visuals. It's difficult to talk about the cinematography of CG animated films: unlike the stop-motion efforts of Aardman, there is no actual, physical lighting of which to speak. What is noticeable is that PIXAR's animators are getting better at animating humans and creating fleshy tones. While the human characters in Toy Story look overly angular in hindsight, their counterparts in Up have a good balance between cartoon caricature and realism. Like Pete Docter's previous film, Monsters Inc., the attention to detail is superb, with Kevin's feathers being every bit as meticulous as Sully's hair. The problems with Up come when it begins to openly embrace convention. This is as much an issue with PIXAR's reputation as it is with the film in itself: we expect them to be ground-breaking to such an extent that when they serve up something more generic we feel short-changed. While there is nothing wrong with embracing genre conventions as a means of giving the fans what they want, it becomes more of a problem when a film is being billed as a work of greatness and innovation. The emotional arcs of Up are very familiar, with all the characters learning life lessons, things getting worse before they get better and everything ending on a happy note. At times the relationship between Carl and Russell feels a little too rote, with the film resorting to outlandish or goofy sections to keep up the pace (more on those in a second). There is a lack of cynicism to their relationship which lifts it above more sub-standard animations, but considering the talent on offer at PIXAR there is the nagging feeling that they could have come up with something more original. The other big problem with Up is that it retreats all too readily into a kind of outlandish goofiness, in a manner which undermines the feeling of confidence in the central relationship. The film may be playing to a younger audience, being rated U where Toy Story was a PG, but the question remains: why do we need all the ephemeral stuff if the central relationship is perfectly good? The introduction of Kevin and Dug, while perfectly good fun, is a sign of Docter trying too hard to be cute. This becomes more of a problem when it affects the continuity, with Carl going from a frail old man to all-out action hero just to satisfy the needs of a set-piece. Ultimately, the film gets away with its slightly histrionic sections on the strength of the performances and our resulting attachment to the characters. Edward Asner based his performance on the later roles of Spencer Tracy, and he succeeds in creating a curmudgeon that we genuinely love and care about. Jordan Nagai is a very good find as Russell, staying just the right side of talkative to be endearing rather than annoying. And Christopher Plummer remains a reliable screen presence, working off Asner very well in the scenes around the table. Up is a very good addition to the PIXAR canon. While it never quite reaches the dizzy heights of Finding Nemo or WALL-E, it succeeds where Ratatouille failed in delivering a story for all ages and bringing out adult themes in a manner which children can appreciate. Docter directs very nicely, with excellent compositions and bright colours, and as a feel-good effort it works very well. For all its flaws and shortcomings, it's a genial and affecting film that should reward repeat viewing.

• Kase V

  
  'Up' proves to be an instant Pixar classic, full of delightful characters and touching emotion. There's nothing to complain about with the voice acting and the vivid animated landscape is amazing. This is an animated film everyone should see at least once.

• Albert K

  
  A sweet and character-driven movie. It has the comedy and the visuals to draw kids in, but has the emotional depth to keep adults entertained and emotionally connected and challenged.

• Joseph M

  
  Nothing short of an animation masterpiece up there with pixar's finest works if not the best. Up is a perfect blend of humour, action and emotion. The characters and the voice-overs are brilliant, the animation is picturesque and beautiful. Animations don't come much better… More
  Nothing short of an animation masterpiece up there with pixar's finest works if not the best. Up is a perfect blend of humour, action and emotion. The characters and the voice-overs are brilliant, the animation is picturesque and beautiful. Animations don't come much better than this!!

• Directors C

  
  This film can tell a story much better than Wall-E. Up goes into further emotional depth then any Pixar film to date. It's funny, it's charming and it is a beautiful piece of work that nearly anyone can enjoy.

• Jay H

  
  Certainly not the greatest thing Pixar has ever done, but "Up" is a fine, fine film nonetheless. Though the first twenty-five or so minutes are absolutely beautiful, when the house went "Up," my interest level went down. I just didn't find the actual intrigue… More
  Certainly not the greatest thing Pixar has ever done, but "Up" is a fine, fine film nonetheless. Though the first twenty-five or so minutes are absolutely beautiful, when the house went "Up," my interest level went down. I just didn't find the actual intrigue of the plot all that fascinating. However, after the climax occurs, the denouement finds once again the beauty the opening part of the film so wonderfully displayed. The Oscar-winning score of the film is also definitely worth a mention. Its captivating refrain is used perfectly in the various situations throughout the film; the music will stay with you for days.

• Candy R

  
  Carl and Ellie are best friends from childhood. They get married and move into a lovely house. The next part is sad. Many years pass after Ellie passes away and Carl is forced out of his home by developers, so he ties thousands of balloons to the house and sets off for Paradise Falls… More
  Carl and Ellie are best friends from childhood. They get married and move into a lovely house. The next part is sad. Many years pass after Ellie passes away and Carl is forced out of his home by developers, so he ties thousands of balloons to the house and sets off for Paradise Falls in South America. There he meets his lifetime hero who is hunting a very rare bird. I love the characters - Russell (boy scout) and Doug (dog). Good plot, although sad in parts, it is funny and an uplifting movie.

• Michael E

  
  Pixar is one of the greatest animation companies of all time, and each of their films have redeeming features about them even if they aren't all that great, but to me, this is the weakest Pixar film. I liked it the first 3 times I saw it, but the more I watch it, the more things… More
  Pixar is one of the greatest animation companies of all time, and each of their films have redeeming features about them even if they aren't all that great, but to me, this is the weakest Pixar film. I liked it the first 3 times I saw it, but the more I watch it, the more things I find that annoy me. Now I have A.D.D. so I have trouble sitting through some movies sometimes, and this film is one of those movies that I get so bored with, and after 20 minutes I put in a different movie. The main gripe I have with the film is that the beginning 15 minutes and the ending are so well done, that the film just goes downhill from there when it ends, another gripe I have is with the dog Dug, now I know everyone who reads this is gonna be like "Oh Dug is cute, Dug is funny." NO!!! He is annoying and not funny at all, he's stupid, and useless in this film, literally there is almost no purpose to him in the plot, aside from being an unfunny comic relief.

• Raymond W

  
  Pixar never seems to fail to captivate audiences with relatable, humorous, and genuine characters, but they manage to once again with Up, an amazingly animated, voice-acted, and well-told adventure. It's exciting, hilarious, touching and heart-warming. The score by Michael… More
  Pixar never seems to fail to captivate audiences with relatable, humorous, and genuine characters, but they manage to once again with Up, an amazingly animated, voice-acted, and well-told adventure. It's exciting, hilarious, touching and heart-warming. The score by Michael Giacchino is one of the best, and is definitely deserving of the Oscar.

• Ken S

  
  It tends to get "very dusty" in the theater in the first five minutes. That is the mark of a true piece of cinematic animation. Don't dare call this a cartoon.

• zach l

  
  Oh Pixar how I love you so. Pixar's Up is an amazing movie, period. Saw the trailer few times before I saw the movie in theaters and didn't know what to expect. This movie is everything you could ask for in an animated film. It's funny, exciting, sad, and adventurous.… More
  Oh Pixar how I love you so. Pixar's Up is an amazing movie, period. Saw the trailer few times before I saw the movie in theaters and didn't know what to expect. This movie is everything you could ask for in an animated film. It's funny, exciting, sad, and adventurous. Up is one of Pixar's finest yet.

• Brad W

  
  Up is a incredible, hilarious, emotional, and beautiful animated film and is one of Pixars best and one of the greatest animated films ever made. The story is about Carl Fredrickson who decides to fly his house to Paradise Falls but a young boy named Russell accidentally stows away… More
  Up is a incredible, hilarious, emotional, and beautiful animated film and is one of Pixars best and one of the greatest animated films ever made. The story is about Carl Fredrickson who decides to fly his house to Paradise Falls but a young boy named Russell accidentally stows away and they are pulled into the adventure of a lifetime. The plot is is too incredible too describe, the start of the film is some of the most beautiful moments in film history, and the characters are so perfect that its like Pixar struck pure gold. The voice acting was great, Ed Asner was a great choice and Christopher Plummer had the perfect evil voice. The score of the film desrved the Oscar, it was so well done and beautiful, and even really intense, easily Pixars best music yet. Up is a perfect example that after 10 films Pixar still knows what they are doing and it is and its hard to explain simply how incredible this movie is.

• Jens S

  
  The latest Pixar film is a surprisingly grown-up adventure. Sure, there is plenty of stuff for the kids: lovable characters, slapstick, colorful images. But the themes of the film about fulfilling your dreams, life long regrets, finding new purpose in life are pretty hard to get for… More
  The latest Pixar film is a surprisingly grown-up adventure. Sure, there is plenty of stuff for the kids: lovable characters, slapstick, colorful images. But the themes of the film about fulfilling your dreams, life long regrets, finding new purpose in life are pretty hard to get for the younger audience. The movie should still please viewers of all ages: it's often heart-warming and melancholic at times, rapid and spectacular at others. It even includes two of the most fun action sequences of the year. Sadly, the (longer) trailer already gave away most of the biggest laughs of the film. There are still plenty of surprises on the adventure and plot front, but to be honest, other Pixar movies were funnier. Still, when Carl is browsing through his late wife's scrap book, the film creates some of the most touching images animated movies have ever brought us.

• Alexander D

  
  Fantastic

• Eric A

  
  Glad to see modern day cartoon movies still have the touch of the oldies. Aside from Toy Story, Up could easily be the best movie.

• Keiko A

  
  Carl Frederickson (Ed Asner) has lived a long life, but dreams of adventuring to South America. He wants to spend his remaining days in his home, but new high-rises are being constructed around it. After a chance accident, Carl loses his home, and is set to be taken into a retirement… More
  Carl Frederickson (Ed Asner) has lived a long life, but dreams of adventuring to South America. He wants to spend his remaining days in his home, but new high-rises are being constructed around it. After a chance accident, Carl loses his home, and is set to be taken into a retirement home. Unhappy with this idea, the former balloon salesman ties thousands of balloons to his house and simply floats away, en route to his dream adventure. Except, he is not alone - young "wilderness explorer" Russell (Jordan Nagai) inadvertently shows up in mid-air, and Carl sees no other choice but to bring the boy with him. The fact that this plot line is even relevant enough to get made into a movie is more than enough reason to praise Up. Ever since Toy Story, Pixar has consistently delivered the most radically original and unique ideas for animated films, and live action films. Sure, not all of them are as amazing as others (Cars is quite simply stale compared to the likes of Ratatouille and WALL-E), but there is something brilliantly imaginative and exciting going on at the studio, and Up is no exception. Coming off the breakthrough of WALL-E, I was not expecting the same reaction to Up, but I was more than just pleasantly surprised. The film is hilarious, heartfelt, moving and depressing all at once. This may sound like it is an issue, and that the film has a problem holding its ground with its tonal structure. But instead, it handles it quite well; splitting the film into quadrants and allowing the themes and plot line to coincide with whatever emotional response the filmmakers are going for. And while there is plenty for young children to enjoy and take from the film, it is the older audience that will get the biggest reaction from it. There is a lot going on in the film, but it never loses its speed and never loses control of what it wants to say and do. It knows exactly where it wants to be and when. And where other recent Pixar films have failed (specifically in their lengthy runtimes and frequent need to drag themselves out), Up does not. It practically blasts its way through its beginning, all the way up to its ending, with time left to spare. What makes Up work so well, much like WALL-E before it, is the focus on very few characters. Where WALL-E spent the majority of its runtime primarily on Earth with its main character, a love interest and a cockroach, Up spends its majority with Carl, Russell, a "bird" named Kevin and a talking dog named Dug (voiced by co-director Bob Peterson). It does allow for more characters to enter in later on, but the focus never strays from these main characters. Some may say the film is trying to tell multiple stories, but as the film progresses, it is clear it is telling one story - the tale of a man who never experienced what he wanted the most. The film builds up Carl's backstory heavily in startlingly moving moments that surprisingly were surprisingly kept rather secretive in the marketing for the film. We know from the very first trailer that Carl is a fairly mean old man, but the film spends a great deal of time to develop him into an emotional wreck of a man. But the real success of the film is in its imagination and adventure. While WALL-E is perhaps the most startlingly unique and original animated picture of the last decade, Up still manages to pack in a lot of uniqueness. But while WALL-E got caught up in its own environmentally sound message, Up sticks with being an almost straight adventure picture. It is frequently thrilling and exciting, and lets up only for a few moments at a time. For such an older character, the film really stuns with some of its fantastical ideas. Sure, it is obvious this is a film that could only ever be done as an animated film, but what it lacks in realism it makes up for in fun - something that has been sorely missing from the movies for years. It came back for a short while with the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, but the focus as of late for any film has been on deeply conflicted, depressing narratives. And while this film is struck with having some of the most depressing scenes the year has seen so far, it never wallows in the sadness. It throws the moments at you, and then quickly moves on. And as said previously, the tonal shifts work excellently in Up's favour. But of course, an animated movie cannot work without its animation. While Up is not a breakthrough in the way other Pixar films have been, it keeps with the tradition of still looking stunning and leading the curve for computer animated films. It does look cartoony and fantastical in many instances, but this only continues to work towards it being even better. The locales are realistic looking; the dog fur is near perfect. For me, watching Carl's facial hair gradually grow in as the story moves along was simply amazing. The little details and minute perfections have always been key to the Pixar films, and Up is no different. Additionally, the 3D effects really add a layer to the film, and bring the movie to life (unlike other recent efforts like Monsters vs. Aliens and Bolt). I cannot praise Up enough. Words cannot do justice for how excellent the film is. Pixar continues to outdo itself year after year, even with their subpar films. While each film has their own flaws, Up revels in being as close to perfect as the company has been in years. I adored every minute, and look forward to watching it again with an even bigger smile on my face.

• Sergio G

  
  Ahhh! This was probably the best Pixar's surprise a couple of years ago. Whata great story. My son love it. No more than Cars, but he love it. Imagination, the sky is the limit.

• Jameson W

  
  For being regarded as one of Pixar's best and being nominated for many Academy Awards, I find this movie to be boring and my least favorite Pixar film. It's good....and I will admit that the first 40 minutes or so were some of the best movie scenes I have seen recently, but… More
  For being regarded as one of Pixar's best and being nominated for many Academy Awards, I find this movie to be boring and my least favorite Pixar film. It's good....and I will admit that the first 40 minutes or so were some of the best movie scenes I have seen recently, but the rest was just bland and boring. I really do not like that much. I feel like since I was bored, a small child would have most definitely been bored. Pixar's only disappointment.

• Martin B

  
  I liked the film... until about the time the balloons went up. Pixar doesn't make a bad film, but <i>Up</i> is one of their weaker ones, in large part because of an area they are usually masters of: characters. The movie starts out well. We meet our main character… More
  I liked the film... until about the time the balloons went up. Pixar doesn't make a bad film, but <i>Up</i> is one of their weaker ones, in large part because of an area they are usually masters of: characters. The movie starts out well. We meet our main character and his wife (Carl & Ellie) and they are very likable. We grow quite attached to them and feel for Carl. But aside from those two, there's not much to like. I didn't like the dogs at all (including Dug), I REALLY didn't like (or care about) the bird and that whole part of the plot, and didn't even really care for the kid (Russell). Actually, one other I <i>did</i> like was Muntz, and I think he kinda got screwed. He wasn't a bad guy, and I would have liked to have seen some redemption for him. <br/><br /> <br/><br />Visually, of course, the film is beautifully done (aside from the ugly square-face design of Carl). Pixar is still the master of the genre. But what has made them so successful is their combination of great visuals AND top-notch stories. Unfortunately, as much as I enjoyed the prologue, the rest of the story this time out is uninteresting and kinda lame. Like <i>Monsters Inc</i> and <i>Cars</i>, I'm sure I'll watch it more in the future because of my kids, but I don't think I'd ever go out of my way to see it again.

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