Disney Pixar’s UP: The Starstore Review
Pixar’s latest foray into feature length productions has all the hallmarks of a future classic. When a widower in his late seventies decides to fulfil his lifelong dream (and that of his late wife) by adventuring, he ties hundreds of balloons to his house and escapes his everyday life, which had become ever more depressing following the loss of his wife.
Accidentally taking an 8 year old boy along with him, the unlikely pair of heroes set off on an adventure across the wilds of South America, coming into contact with talking dogs, a huge rare bird called Kevin, and a lost adventurer with sinister desires.
UP is cinematic magic. Shown in 3D, the sense of awe and adventure is unmistakable, but that sense of scope and fun would also be there without the 3D element. This film is a spectacular new entry in the glorious work of Pixar, whose animators have created cartoonish characters and a backdrop that is incredibly real, which makes for a wonderfully entrancing experience that more than merits the popularity of UP movie merchandise.
The story is beautifully handled, as are the rather less cheerful aspects. the opening few minutes are utter, utter genius that only Pixar could really pull off this well. The look of the film is amazing, as are all of the exciting set pieces and misadventures along the way, but the strength of UP is with those two main characters, and their constant bickering and eventual appreciation of one another is handled in a very sweet and real manner.
UP may be a little too scary for very young children, as there are several scenes of great peril for our heroes, but as family entertainment, it doesn’t get much better than this. Disney/Pixar’s UP has a heart of gold, along with lots of laughter and lots of ‘Ooooh!’ moments. A film to savour.
