Up
Year: 2009
Rating: PG
Length: 96 minutes / 1.60 hours
What’s always amusing to me is how people will often praise Up (2009) but usually only cite the first 15 minutes of the film as their favorite part. Like, I get the dialogue-less montage of Ellie and Carl’s (Ed Asner) life together is one of the best cinematic gut punches ever created, but there’s more to the movie than that. While the setup is heartbreaking, the rest of the movie is colorful, creative, and has an equal amount of heart (albeit with a different focus). At a minimum, Up is a great example of a well-thought out character arc.
One reason I personally enjoy Up is Russell (Jordan Nagai) as the courageous and persistent scout. He’s the perfect counterbalance to the crotchety Carl who only has one objective in mind: living alone on top of a waterfall to fulfill a dream he had with his late wife. That Russell’s family life seems to be one of divorce and strained relationships hits even harder by the end when Carl steps in as a male role model and mentor for the young boy. I’m tearing up writing about that scene near the end as it really emphasizes what it means for kids to have someone—especially someone who isn’t a blood relation—show up for them.
Despite all Up has going for it, one thing that always confused me was the South American setting. The almost alien-like Kevin, mixed with this 1950s adventurer villain in a blimp, clashes with the modern-day framing that starts and ends this movie. Sure, they’re a fun way to have Carl come to terms with meeting his hero while also grappling with protecting those who are more vulnerable. Still, I think if Carl or Russell were to recount what had happened, nobody would believe them.
An overall great movie about loss, expectations, and mentorship, I give Up 4.5 stars out of 5.
1/2
This film appears in the following posts:
Cinema Connections #233. Best Animated Feature
Cinema Connections #234. Balloons
