Up – Kind of a Downer

I admit, I don’t understand the fascination with Pixar movies. When it comes to Toy Story, I’m with you. Everything after that, I never enjoyed as much. Maybe I just miss the traditional animation of Disney movies, with their catchy show tunes and dance numbers, and fairy tale stories. I’m in no way defending awful movies like The Hunchback of Notre Dame – let’s face it, Disney has fallen off in terms of their great animated movies as well. However, these days, when Pixar’s newest film arrives, critics declare it the newest best movie ever, and families come out in droves. I don’t mind the families and the millions of children enjoying Pixar’s movies – but I think we can draw the line way before calling every Pixar film a further evolutionary piece of moviemaking magic.

Which brings us to Up, that Pixar flick which opened up Cannes, as both the first animated and first 3D movie to do so. That Pixar flick which has people all agog in happiness simply because it exists. Now that I’ve seen it … I still don’t understand the fascination.

Not that Up isn’t a good film. In case you missed all the promos, and I’m not sure how that could have happened, Up tells the story of Mr. Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner), the balloon salesman whose beloved wife passes away without ever having traveled to South America, a trip they always planned to take together. Instead of allowing their memory-filled home to be demolished in the name of progress, Mr. Fredricksen attaches a gazillion helium balloons to his home and takes flight to the southern hemisphere. Along for the ride is Wilderness boy scout Russell, and together they meet amazing wildlife and talking dogs.

While Up is entertaining, films such as Toy Story and Ratatouille succeeded because of their balance between adult and kid-friendly humor. Up’s comedy seems mainly aimed at children (dog humor and animation hit its peak with Bolt, but what can I say? That dog was awesome.), though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t laugh out loud myself.

The themes, however, of mourning the loss of a life-long companion, of learning that “things” don’t make up for someone long gone, and that holding on to your past turns you into a curmudgeonly old man with no family, were ever present, and never reached the emotional resolution initiated so effectively at the outset. Here’s a guy literally carrying his baggage as he drags his floating house around the jungle. And while he learns to move past all of these things in a way we see coming as soon as we recognize his conflicts, the writers do such an effective job of illustrating his pain and loss that it never quite leaves his character or the audience. So you know. Major bummer, dude.

These very adult themes, for me, never balanced with the uplifting ending or the slapstick humor. Nevertheless, there’s much to love about Up. For example: This movie is gorgeous – colorful, beautifully animated, with striking, memorable images. When I think back to the film, aside from the consistent sadness, I remember most the sight of the Fredricksen house, suspended in the air by hundreds of balloons over a sea of white clouds, as well as the colorful wildlife and the many shades of the Fredricksen home. An opening sequence takes us through the marriage and life of Mr. and Mrs. Fredricksen, culminating in her death and his broken heart. Reminiscent of the excellent title sequence from Watchmen, that four to five minute arc is a highlight of the film with its compact, precise, yet entertaining storytelling. Take note, film school graduates and Fringe writers: Exposition can be entertaining.

Much like Wall-E, I’d only recommend seeing Up in the theater for moments like these, where you can truly appreciate the artistry and creativity in the movie’s visuals on a giant screen. My problems with the story are no doubt a result of my own floating house strapped to my back, but when compared to a movie such as Bolt, though perhaps not quite the 3D and visual masterpiece of Up, I left Bolt fully entertained and happy. The kids in the audience lack my hang-ups, so they enjoyed the movie just fine; as a family film, Pixar wins again. As a film for everyone, Up promises a little more than it delivers. If you wait for DVD for this one, don’t let the Pixar fanatics make you feel bad about it.