Up

Up is perfect. There, I said it. Not just Pixar’s best film but also one of the best films ever, period. Pixar has always made great films but with Up they’ve created a film that doesn’t fall into any particular genre. It has everything you look for in a film; comedy, suspense, drama, and lots of heart. The first ten minutes of the film are the most emotionally engaging of any film I’ve seen and take you on such a rollercoaster ride from love to lose that it alone was worth the price of admission. If you aren’t shedding any tears by the first ten minutes then check your pulse. But have no fear that is merely the beginning and it only goes “Up” from there. The movie carries a sense of purpose and adventure right from the beginning and never lets up. There were times when Carl, Russel, Kevin, and Doug were being chased or escaping from danger that I actually had a lump in my throat and found myself on the edge of my seat saying, “Whoa. ” The bad guy is the most sinister villain I’ve seen in a while. The reason is that at first you will probably admire him much like Carl. But then slowly, you get that creeping feeling that he is not quite what he seems to be. He gradually becomes a real threat and a scary menace. And then there is the best part of any movie; the humor and it is spectacular. Every joke succeeds and there were times in the theatre were people laughed so hard they actually applauded, no kidding. It’s just plain hilarious no matter what your age. Of course you know that it’s going to have a happy ending and a very exciting and thrilling one at that, but what makes this a classic is that it touches on deeper and sometimes darker matters than most movies, animated or not. Death, infertility, obsession, and even letting go of the past are all covered simply but powerfully. Not to mention the actual danger these characters face, the young wilderness scout Russel faces danger from an armed gunman, and even armed bi-planes, but Pixar never shies away but takes the chance and comes off victorious. Not that I wanted any harm to come to these characters but all those things give this film a sense of realism. Having said all this though I’m certain there isn’t a person of any age from 1 to 100 that won’t love this film because it really has something for everyone. It’s hilarious, exciting, heart-tugging, heart-warming, heart-felt, and oh so satisfying. Its goes “Up” and above the rest!