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Pixar Ups the Ante
14th November 2009
Pixar’s tenth film, “Up”, is arguably their most impressive yet. The film even surpasses the high standard set by their previous film “WALL-E”, which itself won an Oscar for best animated film in 2009. The kings of animation have again shown why they are so with this brilliantly original tale, which, despite being aimed at children, can also be enjoyed by adults.
The film’s main protagonist is 78-year-old widower Carl Fredricksen. Carl, about to be forced out of the house he’s lived in nearly all his life, decides to take matters in his own hands when he ties thousands of helium balloons to his house and floats away. His destination is South America, as he realises he never fulfilled the promise he made to his wife Ellie of taking her to the continent in the footsteps of their childhood hero, explorer Charles Muntz. Carl does not, however, realise that he has an accidental stowaway on board; 8 year old ‘wilderness explorer’ Russell. Somehow, the duo also pick up a huge tropical bird called Kevin, and a lovable talking dog called Dug. Together, the four set about accomplishing Carl’s incomplete dream - towing the house to ‘Paradise Falls’.
The enjoyable action sequences and visual humour will be more than enough to keep kids entertained, but ‘Up’ shows it’s superiority over other animated films through the way it deals with more adult themes. For example, in one of the opening scenes, a superb wordless five-minute sequence shows Carl and Ellie’s life together. ‘Up’ delicately deals with themes such as infertility, shattered dreams, and ultimately, death. In that one scene, Pixar offers more laughter, sorrow and emotion than you’ll find in most Hollywood films this year.
Although it can at times be sad, this is not a depressing film and, as all good children’s films do, it leaves kids with an important moral message as well as the feel good factor. Visually stunning as well as brilliantly written, ‘Up’ is definitely one of the best children’s film made to-date.