The Pixar Perspective: #10 - Up (2009)

An ongoing series looking back at the feature films of Pixar Animation Studios

The first Pixar film not only to be released in 3D but also to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards - the second animated film to do so and one of three so far - Up has a lot to live up to. But with the huge audience love for the film, in particular the opening 10 minutes, and Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes (at 98%), it's clear that it is a film great. And when you watch the film, it's obvious that the positive remarks are correct.

The characters are extremely likable, with Carl Fredricksen (Edward Asher) easily winning as the best of the multiple protagonists. Asher brings a natural grumpiness that many elderly men have and creates a lovable grump in what could have been an unlikable star. Add Russell (Jordan Nagai), Pixar's first Japanese American, with his humourous charisma and lack of racial stereotype allowing an unannoying child star. Pixar also put a spin on the talking animal malarky that many studios have been following for decades by allowing dogs such as Dug (Bob Peterson) to speak via collar translator. An ingenious idea which brings the lovable Dug to life with his unintentionally smart wittiness. The mainly mute Kevin is also highly humourous, and villain Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer) - whilst surprisingly staying alive what may be an age over 100 - is incredibly menacing, gaining the send off he truly deserved.

The story is just as imaginative and original as ever. Only with animation can such an idea revolving around a floating house work, and Pixar managed to do so with perfection. It underlies the life of love gone by with such beauty, whilst continuing the main plot revolving around Kevin and Muntz. Add some strong humour, and it creates a memorable tale.

The story once again focuses on human characters, but here is clear that it isn't trying to replicate an actual person. Carl is square in design, from head to physique, but it doesn't pull you out of the film. You see this square kid grow up into the senile old man he is for a majority of the film, and it in turn grows on the viewer. The vibrant colours make the film appealing to the younger viewers whilst character designs are for the older.

Up is an emotional rollercoaster with excellent characters, an original and superb story, and an animation style which, whilst not innovative, is strong and succeeds in bringing the story forward. 10/10

Next Time: So long...partner