JIM Reviews film "UP" (in 3-D) -- Rises to new PIXAR-ish Heights =

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“UP” – Rises to new PIXAR-ish Heights =

Rating = 9 of 10 stars.

In the tradition of Pixar-created animation, this latest entry has whimsy, charm and cleverness. The story concerns the life of Carl, a now-old man (effectively voiced by ED ASNER). He’s always been fascinated by a famous explorer Charles Muntz (CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER) & his credo / dirigible ‘Spirit of Adventure’. As Carl’s life dwindles away, he decides to follow his beloved adventurous dream of visiting Paradise Falls in South America. He decides to suddenly escape his difficult aging by using balloons to literally fly away in his house. Rising up, he discovers that a scout-like boy (who needs a ‘Helping the Elderly’ badge) has chanced to be caught on his porch, and reluctantly allows him (voiced by JORDAN NAGAI) to join him in his travels. In their voyaging, they discover a huge funny bird which is being pursued by the old Muntz explorer guy to salvage his reputation. Muntz is shown to be somewhat a madman who’s created a group of talking dogs (including Dug — voiced by BOB PETERSON –who becomes a helpful pet to Carl). While the 3-D effects are mild, the film’s funny, often ‘politically incorrect’, and a FUN trip all around!