Up (2009)

Plot: Carl is an elderly man who admired explorer Charles F. Muntz as a young boy. When he's young, he meets a tomboy named Ellie, who wants to move her "clubhouse" to Paradise Falls. Carl promises to help her. They eventually marry and grow old together. They then start to save money for their trip when they learn they're unable to have children, but life's needs get in the way. As they get older, Carl eventually gets the money for the trip but Ellie sadly becomes ill and dies. Carl still lives in their house, which is surrounded by construction because he refuses to move. When he injures a worker when he damages his mailbox, he's ordered by the court to move into a retirement home. On the day he's suppose to leave his house, he makes his house into an aircraft by having a thousand balloons attached to his house. Midflight, he realizes a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell, who has been trying to help Carl to get a badge, is on his porch. They reach South America, where chaos ensues.

Review: I honestly believe that Pixar can do no wrong. The plot is very Pixar-like. What I really like about the plot is that it isn't someone who is magical or super, it's just a normal person. This is a movie about life and what becomes of our lives later in life. We have the balance of young and old with Carl and Russell and it gives us a great vibe.

The plot and the film itself are much more dramatic compared to other Pixar films that I've seen. Most Pixar films have their dramatic moments, but approximately the first hour of the film is very sad and I'm sure that younger kids will not like it. But the film is also comical and has good funny moments that will appeal to both adults and kids. That's what I like about Pixar films- that their humor is able to appeal to both kids and adults.

I've heard some people say that this is Pixar's most boring film. I can understand where they're coming from. Pixar films I've seen are funny and there's always something going on. In this, for the greater majority, they're in a floating house. But to able to make that work shows how creative and smart Pixar is.

This might not be Pixar's most exciting film compared to films like Monsters Inc. (2001) and Finding Nemo (2003), but it's still a heartfelt, touching, heartwarming and funny film that's without a doubt one of Pixar's best.

Rating: 4.5/5