Up

There are Madagascar (or Ice Age) adventures, and then there are South American adventures. The first ones rely on dozens of funny characters, put together by a weak storyline about family values. The South American adventure contains only one funny character and the movie tells a story of wasted opportunities and fulfilling one’s childhood dreams (which may also have a dark side — a cleverly presented difference between a child’s and adult’s perceptions). Up is an animated movie that can only be fully appreciated by adult viewers (kids will definitely have more fun watching the Madagascar series). The highlight of the movie is the opening sequence, which briefly summarizes the life of the main character from his childhood to old age. It’s pure beauty. If the creators said “sod the kids” (which they obviously couldn’t do :)) and went on with this type of storytelling, this could have been my all-time favorite animated movie. (12/08/2009)

An animated flick that milks the emotions of the viewer with the same ease as the best live action dramas. In the moments when this happens, the simplicity and lack of originality of the story is a shame, it pops the balloons and brings down this bitter-funny gem, not in any drastic way, but enough to make it lose one star. Otherwise, I agree that the first 10 minutes are probably the best sequence I’ve ever seen in an animated film. (05/09/2009)

Gran Torino meets Indy in escapades à la Pixar. Some parts are great, but altogether it seems so inconsistent that it’s bothering. However, Carl is a really nice guy and his only blemish is that he’s not dubbed by Clint. The real “hero" and the dog do their CGI best to make this movie work. And they had to try hard, because this movie was moving alarmingly near to the shameful average (quite normal for Pixar). (23/08/2009)

To begin with a brief thought: When did the movie theater turn into a canteen? Munch, gobble, slurp… Up is a multigenerational picture that will be enjoyed by everyone. Super action scenes, a romance of the highest caliber, and a breathtaking adventure that, in the style of old exploration films, throws one into an unknown, dangerous yet beautiful world. The storyline forms an incredible link between several lives. A pensioner who wants to complete his plan (to move) at any cost, a hunter (another pensioner) who is pursuing a trophy that constantly eludes him, a lonely boy who wants to help (pensioners) and mothers caring for their children. Add a flying house, talking dogs, a mischievous bird, and this merry-go-round of a movie becomes a whole lot of fun. (26/09/2009)

Not only proof that it is never too late for an adventure, but also confirmation that in the right hands of a director and animator, a pearl can be made even from an unusual combination of several favorite clichés. Until now, I am amazed that a drama about unfulfilled dreams does not contradict the adventurous spectacle, but perfectly adds a deeper dimension to it. (21/08/2009)