Review: Up

Pixar continues its string of critical and commercial successes with "Up," which has the third highest-grossing opening weekend for a Pixar film and an impressive 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. After seeing this film in both 2D and 3D, I have to say it deserves all the praise. I thought it would be hard for Pixar to release something as refreshing and brilliant as last summer's "WALL-E," and while I do still think "WALL-E" is a slightly superior film, "Up's" original premise, flawless execution and plentiful heart definitely make it another Pixar classic.

The film revolves around Carl Frederickson (Edward Asner), a 78-year-old unlikely hero. Carl and his wife Ellie always dreamed of adventure, wishing to somehow move their house to the majestic Paradise Falls in South America. Following Ellie's death, Carl decides to honor her by trying to make their dreams a reality. By attaching thousands of balloons to his house, he flies away with his sights set on Paradise Falls. But the adventure doesn't start out as expected when a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell (Jordan Nagai) stows away on his porch.

When they arrive in South America, Carl and Russell meet a host of memorable characters including Kevin the giant bird, who turns out to be a girl trying to get back to her babies, and Dug the talking dog (Bob Peterson). But rather than being a typical cartoon talking dog, Dug speaks through a collar that translates his thoughts, allowing him to maintain his charming, panting canine demeanor.

Dug's owner turns out to be the explorer Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), Carl's childhood idol who has been trying to find Kevin in order to prove he didn't fabricate a giant bird skeleton years before. Carl, Russell and Dug must try to reunite Kevin with her children before Muntz can capture her and take her back to the states.

Based on the trailers for this movie, I expected "Up" to be more of a kids' comedy than "WALL-E." I was wrong. "Up" does have its comedy, but it was a much more emotional film than I anticipated. Its pure and unapologetic heart is really what drives the movie. Its opening montage of Carl and Ellie's life together is one of the most moving and incredibly executed I've ever seen. Without giving too much away, another reflection of Carl and Ellie's relationship that occurs later in the film was so emotionally overwhelming that tears actually streamed down my face in the middle of the theater.

Carl and Ellie's bond is the only one that drives the film. His relationship with Russell, whose parents are divorced and whose father is largely absent from his life, is also very touching. As a huge dog lover, Dug stands out as a favorite for me. The things he says remind me of things I think my own dog would say, and his hatred of squirrels provides some of the film's biggest laughs. But the close relationship he forms with Carl while Muntz and his other dogs find him a joke also supply some very heartwarming moments.

I was hesistant to see "Up" in 3D as I'm a bit skeptical of the medium. I was afraid there would be too many 3D gimmicks that would detract from the film's content. For this reason, I saw "Up" in 2D first so as to fully appreciate the story. While some of the trailers that played before "Up" clearly were made for 3D gags, the 3D actually only enhanced "Up." I would still recommend seeing it in 2D first, but the 3D made it pop visually without being too distracting.

"Up" is definitely worth the money it costs it see it in both 2D and 3D. Its characters are memorable and original, and it will bring both laughter and tears. It is impossible to not be moved by "Up's" story, which still appeals to kids while at the same time being incredibly emotional and multi-layered. Pixar has definitely delivered yet another classic. A-