6. UP (written by Bill Bodkin)

Release Date: May 29th, 2009

Voice Talents: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Delroy Lindo.

Director: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson.

First Time I Saw It: It was the perfect setting. My then girlfriend (now wife and mother of my child) and I went to an old movie house, Beach Cinema, in Bradley Beach, NJ. It’s one of those classic, wood paneled, single screen, no stadium seating, popcorn in buckets, get in for $5 type theater. For some reason, it just added to the magic that was Up.

Its Impact on the Pixar Brand: Pixar films have always had serious moments, but nothing and I mean nothing compared to the tear-inducing opening of Up. That opening is just absolutely heartbreaking on every human level possible. And despite all its bright colors, and flights of fancy, there are continuous themes of heartbreak, death, loss, and loneliness that run rampant in this film. And yet, maybe that’s why at the end of the film, you leave with this overwhelming sense of joy. The issues are dealt with in honest, human ways — no magic wands or fairy dust here. It’s all plausible, and you feel truly good about the outcome, and for a moment about the world. Up’s heaviness allowed for other Pixar films to really go to some darker emotional places – check out Dan Cohen’s piece on Toy Story 3 and you’ll see what I mean.

Why I Love It: It’s chock full of everything you want in a great animated film. There’s great comedic range in this film as well — some jokes are wonderfully simplistic, while others are highly sophisticated. Not going to lie, the constant call back of Russell as a ‘chubby mailman’ or the dog’s being distracted by a, ‘SQUIRREL!’ make me laugh every single time. The visuals in this film are outstanding. This is without a doubt one of the most vibrant and dazzling animated features I’ve ever seen. Finally, going back to the last paragraph, the resolution leaves you feeling warm and positive. And we all kinda need that from time to time.

Best Moment: It’s a tough call, but I will always be in awe of when Carl’s house first takes flight. The colors are just so beautiful in this scene. The music swells to this perfect heartwarming fever pitch. And despite the fact this is in essence a cartoon, watching a house fly through the air leaves me awestruck with childlike wonder and amazement.

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