No. 35 - Up (2009)

A Comedy With Plenty Of Altitude

Rated: PG (Parental Guidance) for peril and action

Directors and Screenwriters: Bob Peterson, Pete Docter; Screenplay: Tom McCarthy

Voice Cast: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo

Movie Introduction: Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old balloon salesman, is about to fulfill a lifelong dream. His wife has passed away, and the city is no place for him. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, he lifts his abode into the sky and heads for the far away South American wilderness to a place he and his spouse wanted to visit. But curmudgeonly Carl's worst nightmare comes true when he discovers a small boy, a Wilderness Explorer, named Russell has accidentally come along for the ride. When they reach South America, the adventure really begins. 

Defining Moment: Carl had one goal, to get to Paradise Falls and keep his promise to Ellie. He didn't want to be bothered by anyone, must less a kid, a talking dog, and an annoying giant bird. There's a point in the film where he has to make a choice. Them or his house. He chooses the house. He goes inside and sits down, finally alone. He starts to leaf through Ellie's scrapbook. He discovers that she filled in the missing pages from her death bed. She taped in photos from their wonderful life together. The final page she encourages Carl to find a new adventure. Suddenly re-energized, Carl, knows his purpose again, and sets out to help his new "family".  

Something subtle you might have missed:  digging Dug

Pixlar brought in consultant Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian, dog behaviorist and trainer, to help the actors and animators understand canines.  He discussed how dogs communicate, what does their body language indicated, and the dynamics of pack behaviors. The director thought it would be great so show what dogs really think. Dug steals much of this film. In fact, the speaking canine has gone on to appear in a streaming series called Dug Days. There are five episodes.

Memorable Quotes:

"I know this may seem boring, but I think the boring stuff is what I remember the most." – Russell

"My name is Dug. I have just met you and I love you!" - Dug

Dad's Review:

By making the Top 50, I have designated Up as my favorite animated Disney film. I must admit this kind of surprises me. On the surface, it’s premise seems ludicrous. How could I rank this film above the two classics The Lion King or The Little Mermaid (which we watched with our kids a gazillion times)? What about Toy Story or Wall-E, or Finding Nemo? How about Inside Out or Monsters Inc.? I must be crazy, right?

Well…I’m not. Up is that good.

Perhaps the plot is just more applicable to me now. I relate to Carl, the story's protagonist. He's an elderly man, kinda like myself. Carl, now a widower living alone, is being edged off the map, pushed into a corner. He's just in the way of, well, progress. Determined to escape this mess, he fills thousands of balloons with helium and off he goes! Escape accomplished! I’m with you, dude!

In real life, many aging people can’t escape. They often end up forgotten or put in nursing homes they are not even ready for. Personally, I really think families would benefit from having their elderly parents share their home for a while. It's good for them, and it's good for the family and kids, too. More importantly, it won't last forever.
One of the most touching segments early in the film is the look back on Carl’s life with his wife, Ellie. It's beautiful and gut-wrenching. I have to physically stop the movie and bawl; there goes the old sentimentalist again.

I really enjoy the film’s off-the-wall, fantastical slant. Yes, we know there's no way for birthday balloons to lift a house, but damn, just go with it. This elevates the movie.  It is not just a heartfelt story about an elderly fellow. With Disney and Pixar's imagination, we have a wonder-filled adventure about finding hope and a sense of value in a bigger world where there are still small opportunities for Carl to be useful - and loved!

I will always adore Carl and this crazy journey. He wants no allies, but they find him anyway. First, it's the pudgy yet dedicated scout Russell (OMG, Russell IS so me 50 years ago!). Then, they meet the faithful canine companion Dug. Oh sweet Dug...you make the movie special in so many ways. 

What starts as an unhappy, lonely man’s final journey to "see that mountain", morphs into an action-packed rescue mission! In the end, Carl learns that there are others who still need him, and all that he is: wise, loving and kind.

So, this wasn't the final adventure after all, it was just another, wonderful beginning.

Onto No. 36... The Journey to Plentiful