Moving on ‘Up’: Disney, Pixar Score Another Masterpiece in 3-D

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CHICAGO – There is an art to music. There is an art to writing a story and an art to telling that story. There is art in a great drawing, a great painting and a great photograph. There is an art to communication. And it may only be a matter of time before museums expand to include a whole new category of modern art: the animated film from Disney and Pixar.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.5/5.0
Rating: 4.5/5.0

For what the studio duo accomplished in 2008 with its “WALL-E,” which is known for its groundbreaking achievements in many of the above-listed categories, their newest film, “Up,” has also managed to ace much of the same. Though two very different films both strong for different reasons, the two establish the Disney and Pixar revolution of the animated genre.

A symphonic balance of captivating silence and clever dialogue, belly-laugh humor and tear-in-the-eye despair, fast-paced action scenes and scenes slowed for their precious detail, “Up” orchestrates the talents of the directors (Pete Docter, who wrote “WALL-E,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story,” and Bob Peterson, who wrote “Up,” “Ratatouille” and “Finding Nemo”), the artists (Scott Clark, Dave Mullins, Shawn Krause, Mike Venturini, Thomas Jordan and a team of nearly 70 animators) and the composer (Michael Giacchino) into one truly unforgettable piece.

StarRead Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Up” in our reviews section.

The result: a simple smile as one strides from the theatre knowing this is life, there are versions of our dreams we can’t imagine and even the most unfortunate or insignificant interactions can lead to great things.

“Up” tells the story of Carl Fredricksen (voice of Ed Asner): a 78-year-old retired balloon salesman who – after the loss of his wife – is left agitated by the world around him and regretful of desires unfulfilled. An unfortunate altercation pushes Carl to escape society and finally chase after the couple’s lifelong dream.

Carl quickly realizes he’s not alone in this adventure as 8-year-old wilderness explorer Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai) has secretly stowed away for the ride.

“Up,” which comes from director Pete Docter and co-director and writer Bob Peterson, features the voices of Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, Jerome Ranft, John Ratzenberger, David Kaye and Elie Docter. The film opened everywhere on May 29, 2009. “Up” is rated “PG” for some peril and action.

StarRead Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Up” in our reviews section.

Carl Fredricksen in Up is voiced by Edward Asner
Carl Fredricksen in “Up” is voiced by Edward Asner.
Image credit: Disney, Pixar

StarRead Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Up” in our reviews section.

Anonymous's picture

3d movies

These 3d movies are really cool, I love them, just a shame I have prescription glasses as well. Cant wait to see this movie!

EfrainY's picture

Can't wait for Toy Story 3...

This Pixar movie will make another headline this year. The Toy Story 3 trailer is one of the previews attached to the Up movie. The third installment of the Toy Story movies from Disney/Pixar is already causing a stir, but it isn’t slated for release until June, 2010. The Toy Story series is incredibly successful. The original was the highest grossing film of 1995, and ushered in a new era of animation.

maria's picture

thoughts

the movie was pretty awesome, like most of pixar’s stuff. thought the movie really pushed boundaries, simple, yet filled with solid, dense characters (well, dense for an animation.) toward the end things kind of petered out though.

Monica82's picture

I really enjoyed watching

I really enjoyed watching the movie UP with my son; it was funny and sentimental but not overly serious.

Como's picture

Pixar is the best company

Pixar is the best company nowadays of animation. Not only for graphic quality, but also for moving stories. His films capture the attention of adults and children, his language is simple and has a message for each audience. I’m a number one fan of Pixar studios, it was Disney’s best investment.

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