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FILM DETAILS

Certificate U

Cast Christopher Plummer John Ratzenberger Delroy Lindo Edward Asner Paul Eiding Jordan Nagai.

Directors Pete Docter Bob Peterson.

Screenwriters

Running Time 102 minutes

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Up
Pixar’s tenth feature will spirit you away...

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Plot
Inspired by his childhood hero, adventurer Charles F. Muntz (Plummer), and the wishes of his late wife Ellie, octogenarian Carl Fredricksen (Asner) uses a bundle of balloons to fly his house to the jungles of Paradise Falls. His problems start when he discovers a stowaway, boy scout Russell (Nagai).

Review

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In 1982, Werner Herzog made Fitzcarraldo, the story of an over-zealous Irishman (bonkers Klaus Kinski) who, in his quest to bring opera to the South American jungle, drags a huge steamer up and over a mountain. An epic, visionary, never-to-be-repeated slice-of-life action movie, it is also an unlikely touchstone for an animated summer entertainment, the likes of which are usually powered by focus groups and the need to tie in Happy Meals. Like Fitzcarraldo, Up, Pixar’s tenth feature-length slice of genius, is driven by a tenacious lead character dragging his home across the jungle, a real cinematic width and a sense of wonder at both nature and the burden of dreams. Unlike Fitzcarraldo, Up will break your heart in the first five minutes, boasts scene-stealing dogs with high-pitched voices and stars a rare exotic bird called Kevin. Herzog missed a trick there. A bird called Kevin would have done wonders for Fitzcarraldo’s box office.

If the traditional view of animation is that it is kiddie-aimed fare with a dose of adult slyness smuggled inbetween the primary colours and thrills and spills, Pixar appears to work on opposite principles. Even by its own standards, Up stretches the limits of what stories are permissible in mainstream animation. For all of WALL-E’s wordless abstraction, it still had sci-fi trappings, whizz-bang spaceships and cute robotic sidekicks. Here, the treatment and imagery is even more bizarre. It’s a character study of a cantankerous old git. It’s a buddy movie where the buddies are separated by 70 years. It’s a love story where the love transcends death.

Up also reveals an interesting retro reading on Pixar’s previous heroes, recasting the leads as figures stuck in a rut and looking for a way out of their status quo: the factory-working drones of Monsters, Inc., oppressed by the need to garner children’s screams; the obsolete superheroes of The Incredibles marooned in suburban mediocrity; the sewer-dwelling rat who dreams of a five-star kitchen in Ratatouille; WALL-E’s trash-compacting robot who yearns for life (and love) beyond the garbage. In Up’s case, the hero, Carl Fredricksen, is literally tethered to his house, dragging it across exotic South American landscapes, but in reality he’s tied to his memories of a previous life. It’s this that gives the U-rated thrills huge emotional heft.

As well as Fitzcarraldo, Up also shares trace elements with Chaplin, The Station Agent, The Wizard Of Oz, It’s A Wonderful Life, About Schmidt, Gran Torino and Hitchcock, so given its affectionate melting pot of filmic influences, it is perhaps apt that the movie starts with a little boy sat enraptured by the flickering images on a cinema screen. Carl Fredricksen, his eyes wide beneath aviator goggles, sits glued to the exploits of intrepid explorer Charles Muntz, detailed in a lovingly mounted mock-’30s newsreel, mouthing along with Muntz’s catchphrase, “Adventure is out there!” This ’30s milieu looms large: the entire film is fuelled by that decade’s spirit of derring-do, the thrill of hero worship and the sense of the world as a huge playground waiting to be explored. As Carl leaves the movie theatre, he imagines the newsreel narrator describing his journey home as a grand adventure, his imagination turning stepping over the cracks in the pavement into jumping over the widest ravines. It’s a lovely gracenote that acknowledges the importance of dreaming (and day-dreaming) within everyday life without once pouring on any sentimental, saccharine claptrap.

On the way home, Carl hooks up with fellow Muntz fan and wannabe adventurer Ellie (who looks like the kid sister of The Incredibles’ Helen Parr), and what follows is the most beautifully wrought, poetic love story of the year. As the couple’s dreams of adventures in far-flung places get parlayed into the reality of everyday life, Docter and Peterson provide snapshots of married life, a kind of Revolutionary Road without the harsh shouting, that movingly document the tiny triumphs (turning a rundown house into a Technicolor dream home) and crushing catastrophes (Ellie’s sad discovery at the hospital) that constitute a life. It’s a perfect piece of simple story-telling so lucid and moving that if you left the movie at that point, you’d feel thoroughly satisfied that you’d got your money’s worth.

Yet, happily, Up has plenty more surprises in its locker. Resembling a boxed version of Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner-era Spencer Tracy, old man Carl (voiced by Ed Asner), withdrawn from life and facing eviction from his cherished love nest, comes up with a plan to finally realise his long-held dreams. Working his entire life as a balloon vendor, the plucky pensioner ties his inventory to his house, floating himself, his home and the movie into an entirely different zone of unpredictability. The first surprise is that Carl is not alone: an eager-beaver Junior Wilderness Explorer named Russell, desperate to earn his ‘Assist The Elderly’ badge, has stowed away on Carl’s porch. Russell boasts more buoyancy than all the old man’s balloons put together, and his relationship with Carl is tenderly etched. The arc of Carl’s initial disdain to the pair’s mutual companionship and dependency might be obvious, but the bond never feels forced.

What this second phase of Up doesn’t have is the kind of tight plotting that makes the best of Pixar sing (it also has one of the studio’s weakest villains), but its more freeform approach delivers some real delights. There is a run-in with colourful wildlife: the rare exotic bird Russell dubs Kevin is straight off the Chuck Jones drawing pad, a space-cadet version of Road Runner; in a genius move, a pack of dogs on the trail of the bird are able to vocalise their inner thoughts and obsessions through electronic collars. The best of this bunch is Dug (hilariously voiced by co-director Peterson), a goofy, endearing nerd of a mutt. Up also delivers the best action sequences of the season: an escape from the drooling dogs and a heart-stopping third act aerial combat involving a Zeppelin are perfectly crafted, virtuoso set-pieces where you can actually tell who is pursuing who. Most animation bombards the viewer with sensory overload and sees what sticks, but Up is more classical in approach. From subtle joke-making — look out for the cute sideswipe at C. M. Coolidge’s Dogs Playing Poker paintings — to a beautifully controlled colour palette that moves through the muted tones of Carl’s house to the explosion of hues in Paradise Falls, to Michael Giacchino’s lovely, artful score, this is refined filmmaking by any standards. Every now and then, Docter and Peterson deliver some 3-D bravura — the depth of field in a jungle sunset, or Russell swinging towards the camera on a rope — but for the most part they are admirably restrained. This is because they have bigger fish to fry. Up doesn’t need 3-D gizmology because, ironically, it is rooted in solid foundations. For all its fantastical leanings, Up is that rare animated film that sees the world as real. Its pains feel real and its joys feel earned. That may be an obvious thing, but it lifts Up into a class by its beautiful self.

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Your Reviews

Average user rating for Up

RE: Nunchukas upside the head

L: SpiderBat OK have it your way. EricL, /b], Qwerty I'll see u at th Park. Bring your weapons of choice. David Somerset, u just bring your wife. ine then, despite agreeing with you on half the films you listed ... More

Posted by DJ Rob C: Mark II! at 09:34, 29 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

Thought it was wonderful. Smart, sweet, unconventional with beautifully drawn characters and a heart the size of Mars. The dogs are the best comedy side-characters I've seen in years. Home run. ... More

Posted by zcarstheme at 09:17, 29 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

I think what Pete Doctor and Bob Petersen have managed to capture beautifully in this film, and something I havent seen commented on so far, is the wonderful relationship that people of the older generation and people of the younger generation seem to share. Not just in this film, but in everyday life, its a beautiful thing, something I've witnessed in my own life. My Granpa used to be a curmudgeonly old man till my brother was born, which turned him into a warm, loving man who could even rai... More

Posted by steffols at 19:17, 28 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

Saw it again last week and enjoyed it every bit as much as the first time.... the start is wonderful, yes, but I found the whole thing to be equally enjoyable... in fact the one time I almost teared up is towards the end when Carl shouts at Dug.... now I'm not a dog person, in fact I'm not a fan at all, but I loved Dug so much, plus the other dogs were quite funny too t's never as good as WALL-E was with it's awesome main character and intriguing ambition in the first half... but Pixar hav... More

Posted by DJ Rob C: Mark II! at 10:02, 28 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

Dude, chill bruv. I hated it too. Look at the 3 star reader average (from prolly quite a lot of votes) - hardly a ringing endorsement is it? ... More

Posted by SpiderBat at 00:27, 28 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

Sorry fella, but your post makes you sound like you always have a box of king sized tissues lying around - for both uses.  ... More

Posted by SpiderBat at 00:22, 28 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

Hi all UP is an interesting one For me it shows the direction that Pixar are trying to move to and thats an adult audience. It deals with many adult issues and also shows them in such a way that only an adult viewer would click on to. The fact that in the first 15 minutes it deals with miscarriage and death shows what Pixar are trying to do. But the dominant message in this film is Dont leave things to late. I found it to be an uncomfortable watch at some points for example the scene wher... More

Posted by Dante360 at 09:38, 27 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

I don't think I've seen a film that made me as angry as Up did in years. I absolutely loved the first half, thought the whole wife montage was affecting and mature. I was prepared to tolerate the bird, but the talking dogs destroyed the film for me. They weren't even a little bit funny. The high-pitched dog's voice was almost embarrassingly immature and unfunny after the powerful first half. I honestly felt completely let down - I can't imagine how my feelings about this film aren't more common... More

Posted by SleepyDeathFred at 21:52, 26 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

First 10 mins as more emotion than most films mange in 2 hours.  Had me crying. Problem is it peaks too early and never quite reaches the hights it did at the start.  Genius tho, utter brilliant.  Even if the 3D did nothing to add to it. ... More

Posted by Death_Row_Marv at 13:31, 26 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

I'm not one of Pixar's greatest fans - I think most of their output is hugely overrated with the exception of Toy Story and Monsters Inc. Up continues this trend. It didn't even feel like a Pixar film. What the fuck were those dogs all about? Them, the main dog and the bird felt like rejects from another animated film made by a lesser studio. The kid was cool - I liked the spirit of adventure and the old guys relatonship with his wife, but they could have done so much more with when they got to... More

Posted by Castor Troy at 21:18, 24 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

L: BishopQuaker Went to see UP in 3D last night. Two words: Uperley Brilliant. ixed. ... More

Posted by hatebox at 16:50, 22 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Nunchukas upside the head

I ain't on trial here, m8! But if u read a few posts back I listed the best moves of this year: Watchmen, Let The Right One In, In The Loop, Moon, and District 9. Each one's genius and different, so hard to pick the best one. Hmm, apart from one each movie has had unanimous praise, so I'm going for the underrated one: Watchmen. Worst movies of the year (coz they have pretensions of being good, so something like GI Joe doesn't count): The Hurt Locker, Public Enem... More

Posted by SpiderBat at 12:54, 22 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

ter than In The Loop. No chance. haven't seen Up yet but I can already tell you that Olaf is right. ... More

Posted by Goodfella at 10:37, 22 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

Went to see UP in 3D last night.   Two words: Utterley Brilliant.   I can't think of many films that have sent me on an emotional rollercoaster like UP did. Like most of the cinema I did shed a tear within 10 minutes... and again some other way through. But then I was also laughing loads - especially with the dogs and their talking collars.   For me that was Pixar just proving that when it comes to animation, they are the gold standard. I don't necessarily hand ... More

Posted by BishopQuaker at 10:04, 22 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

L: SpiderBat any muppoid that says this is the best movie of 2009, when this year includes nhe Right One In, In The Loop, Moon, and District 9 can come and meet me in Hyde Park to get their head mashed up with my 3 digit nunchukas. atchmen? Really? And isn't it a scientific fact that 35 Shots of Rum is the best film of 2009? ... More

Posted by adambatman82 at 01:28, 22 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Nunchukas upside the head

L: SpiderBat reckon I'll let Olaf off on 2nd thoughts. :D] thankyew. ... More

Posted by Olaf at 18:38, 21 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Nunchukas upside the head

L: SpiderBat OK have it your way. EricL, DJ Rob, Qwerty I'll see u at th Park. Bring your weapons of choice. David Somerset, u just bring your wife. Okdoke, before we go to battle what's your favourite film of the year thus far? The response may influence the size of weapon I bring! ... More

Posted by Qwerty Norris at 18:28, 21 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

I'd also give up 4/5. More of a 4 and a half, but it wasn't a masterpiece. First half was, but it degenerated into normal kiddie fare thereafter; rather like Wall•E, but Wall•E handled it's first half better. I'd rank them like this 5/5 1. Monsters, Inc. 2. Wall•E 3. The Incredibles 4/5 4. Toy Story 5. Toy Story 2 6. Up 7. Ratatouille 8. Finding Nemo 9. A Bug's Life 3/5 10. Cars ... More

Posted by Epiphany Demon at 17:02, 21 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

would probably scrape in at number 5 on my list of favourite Pixar films. It's good, but I don't think its the five-star masterpiece many on here do. Visually its stunning but thats pretty much a given for Pixar films, and I found both Russell and Kevin to be quite irritating characters at times. 4 Stars is probably about right.  ... More

Posted by superdan at 16:20, 21 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Up

Definitely one of the best Pixar films. It's so good it almost rivals Russ Meyer's 1976 masterpiece as the best film called 'Up'. Meyer's film remains the winner, though. ... More

Posted by shatnerhamster at 10:09, 21 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: Nunchukas upside the head

reckon I'll let Olaf off on 2nd thoughts. ... More

Posted by SpiderBat at 17:35, 20 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

I was struggling to think how to write a review of Up, but my wife did it for me. In her words: "Brill".   Can't argue with that. ... More

Posted by David Somerset at 10:42, 20 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

L: Olaf not better than In The Loop. No chance. sp; I would disagree because even know I laughed so much and Armando Ianucci's a comedy genius, Up still presents that feeling of unique cinematic joy & emotion that's becoming more and more rare these days.   But definitely the best two films for me this year, closely followed by Anvil! ... More

Posted by Qwerty Norris at 08:50, 20 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

not better than In The Loop. No chance. ... More

Posted by Olaf at 00:59, 20 October 2009 | Report This Post

RE: One star (only coz zero is not an option)

L: SpiderBat any muppoid that says this is the best movie of 2009, when this year includes n, Let The Right One In, In The Loop, Moon, and District 9me and meet me in Hyde Park to get their head mashed up with my 3 digit nunchukas. etter than In the Loop and Watchmen.... maybe not better than the rest.... still up there though and whilst not as good as Wall-E, TS1 TS2 and The Incredibles, it still stands firmly alongside Nemo, Monsters, Bugs Life, and Ratatouille as quality Pixar... far... More

Posted by DJ Rob C: Mark II! at 00:35, 20 October 2009 | Report This Post

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