Up

Up
Disney & Pixar
2009
Screenplay/Direction by: Pete Docter (and Bob Peterson)
Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, and Bob Peterson.
Rated: PG (Peril & Action)



Pixar has continuously pleased audiences with their films ever since the debut of Toy Story in 1995. I think one of the key ways that they consistently "get it right" is by connecting with their audience and being very relate-able and true, in a fun and witty way. One of the charms of Toy Story, was the fact that it affirmed my belief that my toys did in fact come to life when I wasn't around.

Anyway. To focus on Up.

I must admit that when I saw the commercials, I had a very weak desire to see the film. A movie about a guy who attaches balloons to his house and flies off in it? Really?

But I adored every minute of it.

Michael Giacchino's Oscar-winning score accompanies the montage of Carl's life. I still find myself in tears at the end of it, even though I've already watched it at least 6 times since getting it on DVD.

There are 6,000,000 reviews and summaries of this movie floating around, so if you haven't seen it, I'll assume you have a general idea of the plot, and make my summary as brief as possible.

The real action of the movie begins as Carl Fredrickson, a now 78-year old with no family to speak of, is sentenced to living in a retirement home (after local developers after his home have bested his temper).
After flying off in his house, irritable Carl finds himself stuck with an annoying Wilderness Explorer (aka: Boy Scout), and a slew of obstacles preventing him from his goal.

My favorite moments include:
"You don't talk a lot...I like you!"
The opening montage
"My name is Dug. I have just met you, and I love you."
Carl finding Ellie's note
The Ellie Badge

One could say that the message of the film is to "have an adventure", however, more importantly, the idea is to go out and find adventure. All of life is filled with adventure and joy; you don't have to travel halfway around the world to find fulfillment or to have an amazing life. The best moments are found in getting ice cream cones or collecting bottle caps. As Sir J.M. Barrie (the author of Peter Pan)said, "The secret of happiness lies not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one has to do."

When it comes down to it, it really doesn't matter if you explore the wilderness, model on the Runway, become a millionaire, or live a quiet life with your family. Whatever you do, do it with the ones you love are care for; live each day as though it were filled with potential for adventure of the best kind - because it is.

(P.S. As dorky as this is, while typing this up, I have a bottle-cap pin on my sleeve right now. I made it a few days ago out of a cap from a bottle of Moxie.)