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Released 9th October 2009
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If there is one film this year for all the family to thoroughly enjoy - grandparents alike - then Disney/Pixar has delivered it with Up, starring the most unlikely animated hero we have ever seen in a 78-year-old balloon salesman who sails into a life-long dream. Indeed, the studio spoils us, upping the ante with each new release, but this film is in 3D, without it being a blatant and uncomfortable spectacle like some recent offerings.
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What is surprising is the beginning of the film that deals with death, which may unsettle some of the youngsters waiting for the colourful action adventure to begin. It is an intriguing start, however, and one that is sensitively done, as the palette physically shows, as well as a necessary element to depict the origins of the passion of its grumpy, cantankerous lead, pensioner Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner). In a winning formula, the film’s other unlikely co-adventurer is an 8-year-old boy scout called Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai) who stows away on the pair’s most unusual transport, Fredricksen’s house attached to hundreds of colourful helium balloons. Questionable ’stranger’ warnings to children aside, it is a sweet and endearing pairing that brings together generations on one adventure to South America, and one that only Disney can comfortably get away with in today’s overly cautious environment. Disney also excels at introducing each character and developing them as the narrative progresses, and Up is no exception as we find out the hopes and dreams of each of the leads.
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The breath-stopping moment that signals a move into full, dazzling colour is when Fredricksen’s house breaks away from its foundations and lifts into the air in a shower of rainbow hues. We experienced sorrow with his wife’s passing, and sympathy when he is forced into a retirement home after an incident. Now the film’s mood turns to a time for joy, fun and adventure! What follows are laugh-out-loud funny moments, as each generation tests each other’s limits, then begins to understand the other. There are some stereotypical episodes and behaviour, but all is forgiven when the duo arrive at their tropical destination. Some of the most hilarious moments are the back-breaking endeavours Fredricksen must encounter to keep all safe and his dream in tact. In particular, the best moment is when he comes face to face with the villain of the piece, and his former hero, Charles Muntz (voiced by Christopher Plummer), to battle it out in an airship, but with all the joint-creaking humour you would expect accompanying those in their latter years in a physical confrontation. Indeed the film’s pace changes in each situation, resembling that of an older member, to frenetic moments when they meet Kevin the rare bird that Muntz is after, and Disney’s Beverly Hills Chihuahua similarities with the colony of dogs under Muntz’s command with the ability to talk. As character development is paramount, even the animal behaviour and personalities are consistent, adding to the appeal, with well-timed comedy moments to match those of the humans.
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Up is precisely what a perfect Disney/Pixar family film should be like. It is a unique and utterly enchanting little comedy tale with a big, colourful heart that brings a fuzzy glow of feel-good fun and imagination to anyone who watches it.
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By Lisa Keddie
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Synopsis
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From DisneyoPixar comes UP, a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. From the Academy Award®-nominated director Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc.), DisneyoPixar’s UP invites you on a hilarious journey into a lost world, with the least likely duo on Earth. UP will be presented in Disney Digital 3-DTM in select theaters.
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Film Facts
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Official site: http://www.disneymovies.co.uk/up/
UK Release Date: 9th October 2009
Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Writers: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Cast: Edward Asner (’Carl Fredricksen’ (voiced)), Christopher Plummer (’Charles Muntz’ (voiced)), Jordan Nagai (’Russell’ (voiced)), Bob Peterson (’Dug/Alpha’ (voiced)), John Ratzenberger (’Construction Foreman Tom’ (voiced)), Delroy Lindo (’Beta’ (voiced))
Distributor: Disney/Pixar
Certificate: U
Run-time: 102 mins
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Video on Real.com
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Trailer:
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THREE CLIPS
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‘Meet Russell’ Feature:
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‘Meet Kevin’ Feature:
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Tower Bridge Fly-through Feature:
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UK Premiere:
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