UP, Two thumbs…

Posted by lydonwrites under *like, Movies |

I’m surprised I’m the first MLDer to write something about UP. I would have thought with the rate at which the other MLDers seem to see movies, I’d be merely joining THEIR conversation. As it turns out, I’m first. Yep, I have a short memory. Angie was INDEED first, and it seems I’m echoing her feelings!

Pixar is the best animation studio out there, in terms of consistent hits. It’s not just the excellent CGI/cartoonistry, it’s the solid story writing and perfect casting. It isn’t all princesses and heroes. It’s small stories, small people/things/toys/animals writ large, speaking to the universal person in all of us. Pixar doesn’t deny the existence of sadness and death, either. Even though UP, and the other Pixar films, are animated features, there’s a lot more reality to them than even live-action movies anymore.

I don’t want to give anything away about UP, but I have to say I fought back tears several times during the film, especially during the opening 20 minutes. Masteful mix of backstory, montage and segue back into present day that didn’t feel hokey and easily sold me on the emotional merits of the film.

And honestly, I also like the film because when my hair grows in, I look a lot like the chubby Wilderness Explorer Russell. Also, I’ve wanted to hang out with Ed Asner since I saw reruns of FISH when I was 6.

Go see UP.

Tags: Pixar

angelique said,

Since you were the first to comment on my post about Up, I feel it is only appropriate that I do the same for you.

I agree with the above post 🙂
Ryan said,

Up has blood, death, and the only likeable talking dogs (including Alpha, the funniest cartoon character, possibly ever) in movie history.
Ryan said,

That statement does not include South Park/Simpsons. It is meant to be of cartoon movies, Disney/Dreamworks and the like.
lydonwrites said,

Angie, allow me to apologize for, in essence, reposting your feelings on UP. I guess I got… um… distracted by school and such.

Oh, and Ryan, I think you’re right. I would also point out, though, that the Simpsons movie was terribly bad, and the South Park movie? Well… I still love that. Neither of those compares with UP, though. Extremely different animals.