Movie Review: Up

I finally got around to seeing Up, the Disney/Pixar movie released earlier this year. My only regret is not seeing it in a movie theater, because this is an astounding movie and ceretainly one of the year's best films. This astonishing, unpredictable work of art rolled the dice that audiences would flock to a movie where the main character is crotchety old man, Carl Fredricksen (wonderfully voiced by Ed Asner). The opening section of the movie follows his courtship, marriage and life with Elie. When was the last time you saw an animated movie depicting the infertility and death of a main character? Here, these touching and sad moments are handled with grace and little dialogue. In his grouchy twilight years, Fredricksen attempts to fulfill a promise to Elie by turning his house into a dirigible via thousands of helium filled balloons. Along for the ride is a plucky Wilderness Explorer scout, Russell. Together, they ride the sky to adventure and danger in South America, where they face menacing talking dogs and an old gun-toting adventurer. This beautiful and exciting film is an amazing visual experience. Whether you're young or old, you'll be moved and touched by this uplifting film.