Pixar has created a reputation for itself of excellence in the animated film business. I don’t think there has been one un-successful or critically scorned production of theirs yet. When I first saw the previews for "UP" I was like, “Great! A new Pixar flick!” but the previews really just made me wonder if it was going to be silent like WALL-E (which is another great Pixar flick) or a little more dialogue. Not that I didn’t love all the humor WALL-E provided but a little convo never hurt. “Up” was above and beyond my expectations. It really was an amazing movie and by far the most emotional and humorous addition to Pixar’s catalog to date.
Pixar has always been able to throw together little pieces that make you want to “Awww” once in a while. Maybe a small jest here or there with a little humor that has the un-canny ability to affect both child and adult audiences alike. This movie took that the studio to a new level and you really will understand that within the first 15 minutes. It really is flawless. The characters, animation, rendering and storytelling really just tugs at your childhood fantasies and your heartstrings at the same time. The story just flows with an art form that it seems to have been lost over the years in film-making industry. It’s a craft that Pixar has really come to represent the apex of; and they once again raised the bar.
The story takes the viewer on a ride of the imagination that appeals to our most basic and often times our most guilty pleasures. It’s a story about childhood dreams and adventures; and promises to always keep adventuring, and while sometimes we might not always end up being on the adventure we thought we were striving for, but realizing that we are on one nonetheless. The film really just grabs you right by your childhood, that deep down you know never really left you and says, “Hey! Ditch the button up shirt we’re headed to the tree house. Oh yea, bring your Super Soaker while you’re at it.”
“UP” is by far the funniest of the Pixar animations to date. Throw in that it has the most heart of most any film you will find, let alone Pixar animations, and you have a movie that is not only ridiculously fun to watch but makes you hope the adventure will never end. I cannot say enough about it, it really is good and will tug at your heartstrings and play you like a fiddle for a time, but show that it’s ok to see the world the as a child would; and really enjoy the adventure that you’re on.
On a small aside the Pixar Short that they do before every new movie is just amazing. Bring something to wipe a tear away for at least one point cause if it’s not in the movie due to all the heartfelt moments and comedy it will be because you won’t be able to stop laughing during this perfectly orchestrated digital short. Enjoy.
-Pat
Patrick, Oh Patrick, Patrick, Patrick...
ReplyDeleteI have to jump in here (there have been other posts where I was tempted, but I decided to save it). Not because I didn't like Up, but because I LOVED Up. I loved it so much it hurts to see it being reduced to a sentimental romp in the jungle in your review, no matter how positive you intended it to be. (4 and 3/4 stars? arbitrary, but sure)
I'm not saying it didn't have those endearing elements thought brought out the child in us. sure it did, but it was SO MUCH MORE. Underneath the adventure, Up has some very adult elements, in the sense that the central themes that it deals with (e.g. getting closure at the death of a loved one *not a spoiler, you know where it's heading 30 seconds into the movie if you didn't already) are really complex emotions, and Pixar, as it tends to do, embraces that, and handles it in a very mature -SQUIRRELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.............way. Curmudgeonly Carl's adventure is one that so many people have to take, although he certainly had a little more flair, and a lot more balloons.
Now on to the filmmaking, which you didn't address much. What a finely crafted film, wow that story COOKS. all the thematic elements I addressed above, which could easily be turned into sentimental moments of mush, are done in subtextual ways that never distract from the singular narrative story arc. From one of the finest opening montages to the outstanding finale (VERY noticably influenced by Myazaki), Pixar is truely at it's best. Up is definitely the best movie of the young summer, and certainly a contender for the year.
So yeah...I mean, shit, give it a little more respect, also, the short at the beginning BLEW! WOW, easily the worst thing that bears the Pixar name since Boundin'...or Cars.
Now back to silently stalking this blog and never commenting (P.S. I love the irony that everyone on this blog loves Radiohead except you. Brings back fond memories of freshman year...actuall, all the others too)
Ha ha ha... finally a post from my favorite jew. And your right any review i tried to keep to the concise PtP format would never hold up to how great the flick really was. And the intro short seriously had me bursting so you can suck it my friend. see u friday :)
ReplyDeletePS - I saw Coldplay yesterday (SICK) and it just reinforced all my thoughts about how amazing they are and that they really put on a show for their fans that is truely second to none. Even RadioHead, i know they care about their fans too and that's nice but still don't like em all that much, one or two songs maybe if you get a couple drinks in me and some matzah.