Pixar's heartwarming Up still holds up

Posted Dec. 11, 2022

By Elise Said

Cub Reporter

2009’s Up is one of Pixar’s best films and has proved to be a classic among many movie watchers young and old. 

The plot revolves around grumpy old man Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Ashner) who refuses to move out of his house despite the massive development happening around him. When finally forced to move due to trouble he caused, he decides to move only on his own terms. Using who knows how many balloons, he and his house fly into the air and off to adventure. Shortly after, he finds an unlikely stowaway in the form of a plucky young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Soon both are off on an experience that will ultimately change their lives. Directed by Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson, this film soared with a worldwide gross of $735,099,102 compared to a $175 million budget. 

One of the many things that most will remember about this film is its soundtrack. Composed by Michael Giacchino, who composed for such movies as The Incredibles, Jurassic World, and Spiderman: No Way Home beautifully creates a timeless piece of music that is still fondly remembered to this day. “The first 10 minutes of Up” are a popular term to describe the piece “Married Life”,  which plays during a dialogue-less part of the beginning of the movie in which many deem one of the most emotional scenes in the film.

The animation itself is a thing of beauty. Pixar had already hit its stride in the terms of animation quality and because of this, Up is considered to be a part of Pixar’s golden age. The lighting in the film helps reinforce the realism while still maintaining the animation look. The colors used for the background, setting, balloons, and the characters really pop against the constant blue sky and beige rocks that the film uses most. Each character has their own distinct shape that can be seen as a reminder of the film's earlier character design and development, in which animators often use a shape that can represent a character. 

Overall, this film has proved to be a fan favorite and a classic. The film itself has a timeless appeal with parts of it taking place in the early to mid-20th century while the main parts of it take place in the modern day. Because of that and a sub-plot of young vs. old, people of a variety of ages can enjoy this animated feature. 

If in need of a dose of childhood nostalgia, Up fits the bill perfectly.