Movie Review: Up

They've done it again. That's right, Pixar has created another slice of brilliant cinema. I have to say that I am amazed at the run this artistically driven company has had. Ever since they arrived with 1995's Toy Story, they have consistently turned out classic or near-classic films. All of their movies are the sort you can pick at random and have your spirits lifted. Up is no different. Up is a movie that is an instant classic — it brings together high adventure, action, heart, and emotion together in a story that will have your attention right from the start.

Much like earlier Pixar outings, the trailers for Up have been less than compelling. Sure, they did spark a little interest, but can't say that I felt an overriding desire to go and see it; I was more interested in the fact that it was a Pixar film. On the other hand, it is great to see movies that are not advertised in a way that the entire story is given in a 90 to 120-second chunk like trailers so often do these days. Better too little than too much any day.

upl_1049413_a4d3b9b4By now, we may begin taking Pixar's greatness for granted. Year in and year out, Pixar's films tickle the imagination and bring a level of intelligence rarely seen in animation, much less cinema at large. For Up, Pixar has turned to Pete Docter, director of Monster's Inc., and writer on the Toy Story films and WALL-E (of which he was the original director before moving on to focus on Up). With that pedigree, he has to be considered one of the leaders of the animation revolution alongside John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, and Brad Bird.

Up begins in the past with a young boy who longs to be an adventurer, watching newsreels of a famous explorer named Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer). Muntz explores a hidden plateau in the Venezuelan rain forest, bringing back artifacts of his escapades, but when his findings are accused of being fraudulent, he takes off in his giant airship with his countless canine sidekicks to capture proof of his discoveries.

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Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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  • 1 - Mellaly

    May 30, 2009 at 11:40 am

    i like this Film, Year in and year out, Pixar's films tickle the imagination and bring a level of intelligence rarely seen in animation, much less cinema at large

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