REVIEW: Up

After almost 15 years of feature films, Pixar still does not make bad movies. The studio has achieved some of its best moments when its films confront the dichotomy between fantasy and reality in a child’s life. It’s why the  unloved toys of Toy Story 2 made for a better film than the first, and why Monsters Inc., in spite of its flaws, was so charming.

And at its best, Up, Pixar’s tenth feature, delivers the same goods. Helmed by Pete Docter, Up shows some influences from the director whose writing credits include Monsters Inc., WALL-E and both Toy Story films. Much like WALL-E, Up’s best moments are its quietest. Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner), the movie's senior citizen hero, is the widower of his childhood sweetheart. The film begins with the Fredricksen’s love affair, which is founded on a mutual adoration of explorer Charles Muntz (voiced by Christopher Plummer), and the moments in which we find Carl quietly reflecting on his love are achingly beautiful. But Carl’s richest characteristic is his sense of adventure, which prompts his decision to float away in his house to his and his wife’s dream destination: Paradise Falls, Colombia—where Muntz disappeared to years ago.

But a sort of boy scout by the name of Russel interferes with Carl’s peace and quiet. The relationship between Carl and Russel is the focus of the film, providing comedy, insight and annoyance. Russel is clearly a character for the kids, but he inspires a sense of parental duty and childlike wonder in Carl. It is the duality of Carl’s personality—his youth and seniority—that make Up special, and Carl one of the year’s most unique and affecting characters (though he’s no WALL-E).

There’s a lot more to the film, including some of the best animation we've seen from Pixar (Paradise Falls is a sort of Seussical jungle and just looking at it is worth the price of admission) and an Incredibles-like good vs. evil plot where Russel and Carl must save an endangered bird from the villainous Muntz. Although this plotline serves as a catalyst in changing Carl—making him understand Russel’s youthfulness and overcome his idolization of Muntz—the results are mixed. Some of the humor is just too childish and the action sequences too Hollywood. But these are all forgivable peccadilloes because, in true Pixar form, Up has more heart and soul than probably any movie you’ll see all year. Especially this summer.

Disclosure: The version screened for this review was not in 3-D.