UP

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday is the next anticipated offering from director Peter Docter and Disney-Pixar with “Up”.

This film tells the story of Carl Frederickson (voiced by Ed Asner), a 78-year-old balloon salesman who is being forced from a home he shared with his wife Ellie. Instead of ending up in an old folks home, he fulfills a journey he has been dreaming of. Being a balloon salesman helps a lot as he ties thousands to his house to float away.

In the midst of his perfect plan is one little flaw, 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell (Jordan Nagai) who is trapped on the porch during take-off. Russell is a backpack wearing diligent young man whose dream is to get his final badge by helping a senior citizen – and Carl is his mark.

On their journey through a lost world Carl and Russell are the most unlikely of pair but still bring about humor and a well of great feeling. They meet Kevin a rare 13-foot-tall flightless snipe bird who Russell befriends.

There is also Charles F. Muntz (Christopher Plummer), who has traveled the globe with the motto “adventure is out there”.  There is also a pack of dogs in Paradise Falls - Dug and Alpha (Bob Peterson), Gamma (Jerome Ranft) and Beta (Delroy Lindo) are dog who are on a mission to find the 13-foot-bird. Also, they come with a collar that allows their thoughts to be heard. 

In the end Carl and Russell discover an amazing friendship.

FINAL WORD: This is the wonderful world of Disney! Asner as Carl is just delightfully grouchy with a secret heart for adventure. Nagai as Russell is awesomely cute and funny with his dedication to the Wilderness Explorers.

The cast chosen seems to enjoy their characters and you hear it in their voices. In telling this story, it is filled with humor, action and brilliance that appeals to the young as well as the young at heart. 

Every Pixar film leaves its audiences smiling, feeling good and that makes all the difference between just going to a movie and really experiencing a film.

Director Docter has become acclaimed with the Academy Award nomination of Monsters, Inc. and for last years success with Wall*E. More of Pixar can be found in the upcoming films “Toy Store 3” and “Cars 2”.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Up” four tubs of popcorn out of five. This film is a wonderful heartfelt story. Of course with the opening piece “Partly Cloudy”, Pixar solidifies its place once again in animation and story telling.

“Up” will also be shown in Disney Digital 3-D in some locations so look for it near you.

Get ready to see a beautiful world and be part of a journey that will have you surrendering your heart. Get ready to go UP!