Up, revisited

Although I haven’t seen “Up” a dozen times, I’ve seen it more than six and each time only reinforces what a masterpiece “Up” really is. This movie, an inspiring adventure about an old guy, a kid and a house held up by thousands of helium-filled balloons, is thoroughly grounded in real emotions and ideas of substance. Pixar’s 10^th feature-length film clearly demonstrates that the most inventive and moving stories in movies today are being told via animation.

The brief montage that introduces the narrative, spanning Carl and Ellie Fredrickson’s life together from childhood through childless marriage through old age, is a heartfelt work of genius. And the visualization of the Kevin bird and the dogs Carl and Russell encounter in South America are worth cheering. Did you notice that Kevin reacts to Russell, Carl and Dug differently? And if you’ve ever had a dog as a pet, you know that Dug’s actions are based on pure doggie behavior.

Pixar had to be taking a chance in developing a story about a senior citizen and a young boy so the voice casting had to be perfect. Ed Asner has just the right amount of gruffness and bite that makes Carl a thoroughly believable grumpy old man. Newcomer Jordan Nagai brings energy, spirit and naïveté to Russell.  And co-director and writer Bob Peterson is perfect as the voice of Dug.

“Up” takes us on a satisfying journey and provides us with any number of meaningful themes (that’s the English teacher in me). Life’s biggest adventure can be found in your own back yard with people you love. Friends not only enrich your life, but help you through difficult times. And as Russell would say: You have a responsibility to be a friend to all nature.

“Up” is worth seeing at least once. And then again – and maybe again. J 6/17/09