Up

You can’t talk about the latest Pixar movie without first mentioning the near perfect track record of films that came before it. Over the years, Pixar films have grown to exhibit more complex themes and characters. This more matured approach has happened while still maintaining the unique originality that keeps a Pixar film on the topic of timeless discussion.

Last year was arguably Pixar’s most risk-taking year with a creative film about a futuristic personality filled robot abandoned on earth. The film, “WALL-E,” was a huge success that furthermore placed Pixar in a category of its own. With their newest film entitled “Up,” Pixar has yet again crafted a boundless story of adventure uniquely told through the eyes of a 78 year old balloon salesman named Carl Fredricksen.

Unlike the rest of Pixar’s lovable characters, Carl longs for the adventures that all the other characters can easily have. With a walking cane in one hand and hearing aid fashioned to his ear, Carl feels grounded by his deteriorating state. Carl’s adventures seem to be a thing of the past. That is until he meets Russell, an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer scout. With a new found rejuvenation, Carl laces his house with millions of helium filled balloons and whisks away on the peaceful adventure he’s always wanted. There’s just one problem. Russell ends up being a stowaway companion on his trip.

Time and time again, Pixar amazes us with their unique characters. Even though the pairing of characters in “Up” may seem slightly odd for even Pixar, the contrasting personalities are driving forces for the plot. Ultimately, the combination results in sheer hilarity as the infinitely upbeat Russell keeps an annoyed Carl in constant frustration.

Along with it’s unique cast of characters, “Up” maintains a status as Pixar’s most adventurous story yet. As a story that also involves a mysterious villain, his clan of playfully devilish talking dogs, and even a PG rating, “Up” is an engaging edge of your seat animation surprise.

What keeps Pixar in top form throughout every feature is their masterful approach to storytelling. Lining up for the opening of a Pixar film is like taking a glorified trip to your local library as a kid for weekly story time. Not only do the stories fly from the pages with limitless imagination, but they’re told with a credible sense of importance that engages people of all ages. Without catering simply to children, Pixar’s “Up” is a wondrous adventure story about the limitless possibilities of life.

Up

Rated PG for some peril and action

Runtime: 96 min.

Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Delroy Lindo, and John Ratzenberger

Directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson