Up
Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson.
Starring: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer, Bob Peterson.
Details: US / 96mins (G).
Cut To The Chase:
Pixar have done it again - Up can side proudly alongside other modern animation classics like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters Inc. and Wall E.
Ever since he was a young boy marvelling at the feats of his adventure hero Charles Muntz (Plummer), Carl Fredickersen (Asner - TV’s Lou Grant) has dreamed of exploring the world. Life took over, however: he met, fell in love with, and married Ellie, and the two lived happily, despite a childless marriage, until she died (yes - this is a kid’s movie). Now 78, lonely, and under pressure from a construction company to sell his house, Carl decides to realise Ellie’s dream - build a house in Paradise Falls, South America, a mythical land where Muntz disappeared to many years ago. So, tying thousands of helium balloons to his house, Carl lifts off and makes for South America - but an enthusiastic little boy scout, Russell (Nagai), has tagged along for the ride...
Up is gorgeous the look at - with every production Pixar get that little bit better - and in 3D the animation is beautiful. It’s also very funny, taps into the wonder of adventure and boasts one of the perfect (and saddest) montages in movie history. These help but they’re not the reasons Up will appeal - the appeal lies in the characters. Docter and Peterson have between them written Monster’s Inc., Toy Story and Wall E and they scoop up all the memorable elements of those hits into Up. The love Wall E has for Eve is mirrored in Carl and Ellie’s relationship; Buzz and Woody’s love/hate friendship is revisited with Carl and Russell, which develops into a Monster’s Inc. Sulley/Boo connection. But this is far from a ‘best of’.
Most big budget movies don’t have characters this well written, this real. Carl is a grumpy old man and in lesser animations this would have been enough - he’s old so he’s grumpy - but Docter and Peterson aren’t content with just that. They give Carl a real reason to be grumpy: he’s lost his the love of his life but he still talks to her, years after her death. This gives Up a gravitas not seen in many animations and it’s this that the entire movie is built on.
All the above happens in the first twenty minutes of Up and the audience is treated to a cracking buddy-buddy action adventure romp thereafter. Fun for all the family, Up is the animation to see this year.
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Your Reviews
Very Enjoyable - pandabat
Only caught up on this one recently. Plot summary basically involves an old man, Carl Fredricksen, attaching a load of balloons to his house in order to bring it to Paradise Falls in South America... MORE
Review Published 11 March 2010
Star Rating: 
You will cry - but you will also laugh and giggle - declanh
Wow - a cartoon that can elicit genuine emotion on adult themes - very impressive. Having been warned that I'd cry in the opening few minutes I sat down to watch this with my better half yesterday... MORE
Review Published 14 February 2010
Star Rating: 
Pixar with an offbeat fantasy - kee
It is a rarity to have a genuine connection with a film character, but the first 20 minutes of this animation give us great empathy for Carl Fredrickson, a grumpy old man seemingly waiting miserably... MORE
Review Published 30 January 2010
Star Rating:
You've gotta love it - Asmo
Talking dogs, grumpy old men, mental looking birds. This film has it all. An absolute delight and one of the best films of 2009. I dare you not to laugh and smile when you see this fantastic gem.
Review Published 06 January 2010
Star Rating:
The film that seals Pixar as the best production studio of the decade. - Gavin
Its been more than ten years and people are still waiting for the day that Pixar slip up. Not one film to date has been a stinker (sure, Cars was pretty second rate but by no means a bad film). The... MORE
Review Published 19 December 2009
Star Rating:
Funny and touched the heart! :) - Charlie
This had all you needed it a good movie.. the bad guy, the hero and of course the faithful sidekicks and fun adventure to take them all on. I thought the movie had a lot of heart, not to give to much... MORE
Review Published 02 December 2009
Star Rating:
Something Missing - Doug Stand
Pixar releasea film and expectations are so high - this was no different. I suppose they are victimns of their own success when filsms don't live up to the hype. Myself and the young bloke (aged 6)... MORE
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
great but not that great - movielover
Lines like "I hid under your house because you're my master and i love you," made me melt and other parts were so sweet and sad especially within the first 10 minutes. but with such hype, i was... MORE
Review Published 30 November 2009
Star Rating: 
Brilliant - lukemitchell
A great, great movie. While other pixar movies are predominately based in fantasy e.g., Toy Story, Shrek, this is a story of a real man and a child. Yeah it gets daft at times, but it so... MORE
Review Published 21 November 2009
Star Rating:
a must see - Joseph
this is one for everone old or young a little slow at points but very very funny ,definitely worth the watch.
Review Published 20 November 2009
Star Rating:
Up: A film Age Action Ireland should use to educate the young to respect their elders! - Tee
I'll get it out of the way at the beginning. This film is adorable. It's an emotional rollercoaster that can be enjoyed by both young and old. Pixar consistantly nail this wholesale appeal, but with... MORE
Review Published 16 November 2009
Star Rating:
i have question - sarah doonan
this isnt a review but do u no if a chirtmas carol is in 3d
Review Published 14 November 2009
Star Rating:
Thoroughly enjoyable - seamyfox
What a film. I'm not the biggest fan of pixar but this is brilliant. So funny and theres a lot of adult jokes as well. the "squirrel" joke had me wetting myself.
Review Published 09 November 2009
Star Rating:
good - good
good
Review Published 08 November 2009
Star Rating:
Fun for all, and I mean all! - SB141
I went to see this with high hopes, being a longtime pixar fan, who wouldn't have high hopes? From start to finish this film was brilliant and hits the funny bone in all the right family-friendly... MORE
Review Published 05 November 2009
Star Rating:
Love it - a new addition to my all time favourites - Angel100
I am a big animated movie fan but it's been a while since I saw a really good one, then I went to see UP! The storyline is unusual and the characters are really funny especially Dug the dog and... MORE
Review Published 04 November 2009
Star Rating:
One for the non-animation lovers too - Majenta
'Up' is the kind of animated feature that will bring in people who don't usually watch animation. Pixar has managed to create atmosphere and characters we can empathise with as well as a crossover... MORE
Review Published 03 November 2009
Star Rating:
Excellent - Walnuts
really enjoyed this film. plenty of emotions throughout the film - barrels of laugh and also a few sad moments. definitly the best animated film this year, it's the best one for a very long time.... MORE
Review Published 02 November 2009
Star Rating:
Up - kevo
nothing special here apart from the 3d. Grumpy paps, annoying kid and even more annoying cute dog make this one for the kids
Review Published 02 November 2009
Star Rating:
Breathtaking - Slick
This is a film that sets the mood for the ideal family Christmas, and 3D just adds oodles of dimension. Not per se a comedy but you'll find yourself smiling and sometimes laughing all the way... MORE
Review Published 31 October 2009
Star Rating:
Great enjoyable film - Mooney
This is one to savour, its really enjoyable. The storyline is a little strained, but its a great picture. Characters are well drawn, script is great. Really enjoyed Carl, particularly cos its Ed... MORE
Review Published 30 October 2009
Star Rating:
A Joy to Watch - The Reeldeal
This is a great movie for adults and kids alike, easily the best animated movie since 'The Incredibles' and probably surpasses even that movie in terms of its overall enjoyment and feel-good factor.... MORE
Review Published 30 October 2009
Star Rating:
Up Up and Away - Pixar do it again! - Annie J
What a fantastic film. Pixar have truely outdone themselves this time. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. At times terribly sad and poignent - reducing us to tears - to laughing out loud,... MORE
Review Published 30 October 2009
Star Rating:
Really good - Davidoshaughnessy96
A brilliant movie, great animations and I loved the kid. He was so funny. Up is the best animation of the year and it could sit aside one of my favorite Pixar animations, Toy Story. Im a teenager and... MORE
Review Published 30 October 2009
Star Rating:
big thumbs UP - Patrick
Best new animation in years. Had everything - Children/Adult humour, great animation and a good story. Definitely one to see in the cinema for the big and little kids
Review Published 29 October 2009
Star Rating:
Pixar at its best - TrickyFitz
Back in 2006 Pixar hit a bit of a speed bump when it churned out the rather bland movie 'Cars'. Since then they returned to form in 2008 with the highly original tale of Wall-E. A story with stunning... MORE
Review Published 28 October 2009
Star Rating:
goin 2 see it 2dai xx - kawaii xx
im gonna see it 2 day :( lol xxxx
Review Published 27 October 2009
Star Rating:
. - Laura :) :) x X x
I didnt want to write a review but i didnt know how else to make an account so i had to do it this way! Sorry! X
Review Published 22 October 2009
Star Rating:
3d - dale
a good film good story too but disney are putting 3d on anything these days, I've seen this twice in 2d and 3d no difference the effects or the story. so save some money go see the 2d version,
Review Published 22 October 2009
Star Rating:
One of Pixar's finest - Crazy
As a lover of animation films (yes I am an adult) 'Up' is a very good film. Its a thoughtful and at times early on in the film very touching. It's a comedy adventure about a balloon salesman who as a... MORE
Review Published 21 October 2009
Star Rating:
pixar are growing up - Tim Gannon
Not being a great fan of animated features for as long as i can remember can lead to accusations of heartlessness. But I'm right yeah? There's always too much pop culture references, they're too... MORE
Review Published 19 October 2009
Star Rating:
Must See But Not in 3D - DJ Dodgy
Up is a great movie that must be seen in cinemas (rather than waiting for DVD). The start really catches you unawares and it has an unusual paradox for a kids movie in that the older you are the more... MORE
Review Published 19 October 2009
Star Rating:
Excellant - Luke
Yeah, so it's animated film.....Pixar keep to their high standard with Up. In general this film was really quite funny. I believe the whole cinema erupted in laughter quite often throughout. The... MORE
Review Published 17 October 2009
Star Rating:
Heartwarming - ihatepopcorn
A little gem of a film for all ages. Really enjoyable and magical to watch... would definately recommend!
Review Published 17 October 2009
Star Rating:
i can smell you - colm
Really liked it, the bit where they introduce the dogs and the bird are the most enjoyable 15 minutes of film in the year, probably the decade
Review Published 16 October 2009
Star Rating:
A good ol flick - LMRKMAN
Really enjoyable movie and this is from someone who usually dislikes animated films. Was very impressed by the whole 3d experience. The movie is v sad in parts but has plenty of good gags and keeps... MORE
Review Published 10 October 2009
Star Rating:
Its hilariours - rangey7
the story of a chubby boy and an old man go on the adventure of a life time with kevin (the snipe) and dug (a talking dog). hilarious 5 stars and the best Disney and pixar film iv ever seen
Review Published 09 October 2009
Star Rating:
Overrated... - Diarmaid Mac Aonghusa
Not nearly as funny as Toy Story or Monsters Inc. Could have been cut down to 75 minutes. Leave it until the DVD.
Review Published 02 October 2009
Star Rating: 
BALLOONS!!!! ..and death - AaronQuinn
Senior citizen as the main character and a chubby kid. Apparantly pixar has gotten bored with all their success and decided to challenge themselves. I was at a private screening for this in cineworld... MORE
Review Published 23 September 2009
Star Rating:
Fantastic - stu112
Saw this when i was on holiday, Great Movie. Instant Classic. Very Enjoyable, sad, funny and everything a good Cartoon is meant to have. The Whole idea of flying your house with balloons to a lost... MORE
Review Published 08 July 2009
Star Rating:
It's alright! - Lulu
I think it could have been beter.Don't get me wrong it was good but it lacked something!!
Review Published 07 July 2009
Star Rating:
Phenomenal, film of the year. - simonconnolly
Up is the new Disney-Pixar collaboration. The start of the film shows a young Carl Fredrickson who meets an adventurous girl called Ellie. They fall in love and throughout their long marriage they... MORE
Review Published 06 July 2009
Star Rating:
Class movie, really enjoyed it. I saw this in America with my Wife and would rate this movie with Shrek. - Comic book guy
Not to destroy this movie, cause when I agreed to go to it was under protest, Cartoons suck! but this is a good film. It starts with a brief synopsis of the life of the old man and the hero of the... MORE
Review Published 18 June 2009
Star Rating:
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