Up

Rating: 5/5

In perhaps the most tear inducing Pixar film ever, Up is heartwarming and full of adventure.

As a child, Carl Fredrickson wanted nothing more than to be like the famous explorer, Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), and dreamed of some day going on his own adventures. One fateful day, he meets a girl named Ellie, who shares his spirit and dreams, and they quickly form a life long relationship and romance.

Years later, Carl (Edward Asner) is now widowed, and the house he and Ellie called home is being surrounded by city developments. When the construction workers knock down Carl's mailbox, he hits one of the men, and is forced to move to a retirement home. In order to escape his predicament, Carl attaches countless balloons to his home and takes to the skies for an adventure. Unbeknownst to Carl, a young boy named Russell (Jordan Nagai) who earlier had appeared at his door looking to earn his final scout badge, has accidentally made it into the air with Carl, and is now along for the trip to Paradise Falls.

Pixar is no stranger to making its' viewers cry, but I think Up may the most famous for it. I doubt if anyone can get through the first ten minutes of the film without reaching for tissues. It is a major testament to the creators behind Up that they can make a film that was not only nominated for Best Animated Feature, but Best Motion Picture as well, and it is most certainly due to its' incredibly beautiful, but heartbreaking, opening sequence.

As it is with all animated films, the voice acting is key to making the movie successful. Not only does the voice of the elderly Carl perfectly match the character, but he adds a level of emotion to the role that almost makes you forget you are watching an animated feature and not something with live actors. Not to be forgotten is Jordan Nagai who is the voice for Russell. He is able to bring the whimsy and adventurous spirit that comes along with childhood, and is also gives his character's personality some tenacity and humor along the way.

Though the beginning of Up may not appear to be something that you would find in a film targeted for children, the rest of the movie makes sure to add in enough color, comedy, and action to please any viewer. The concept of adding in the characters of dogs with the translating collars was a stroke of genius, and was hands down one of the funniest pieces in the movie. I've seen this movie numerous times, but I still crack up whenever one of the dogs breaks mid sentence in order to announce the presence of a squirrel.

If you have never had the privilege of seeing Up, it should move to the top of your to do list. Never have I experienced and animated film with such heart and emotion as Up has, and it is truly one of the greatest movies that Pixar has put out.

2010 Best Animated Feature Film of the Year Winner- Up

2010 Best Achievement in Music Written For Motion Pictures - Michael Giachinno