Another masterpiece from Pixar
Added 11/22/2009
There is probably no name I trust more today in film and television than Pixar (with the exception of Mutant Enemy). Both the quality of their productions and the excellence of their scripts stand out among animated films. I particularly loved this one because it shatters all previous templates for what a film is supposed to be about. The main protagonist is a 78-year-old man who bears a resemblance to to Spencer Tracy and his main traveling companion is a young, rotund Asian boy scout. Along the way they acquire a delightfully absurd and gigantic bird and a talking dog (while I saw this film I was reading Clifford D. Simak's CITY, which features several talking dogs, so for a while talking dogs were a motif in my cultural life). All of this while attempting to relocate a house carried by thousands of helium-filled balloons to a mythical spot in South America called Paradise Falls. And the entire affair was prefaced by a story within the story, of the story of Carl and Ellie's long life together.
I've yet to see a Pixar movie that wasn't a complete delight. And as for the appropriateness for small children, I would not hesitate to show it to one. I think a child will find it entertaining, moving, and inspiring. The messages in the film are good, positive ones and I not only think that children can see this film without harm, but should be encouraged to do so.
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A near-great movie
Added 11/22/2009
I enjoyed "Up" quite a bit, despite some slow stretches and a couple of obvious plot holes - if Carl is 78 years old, Muntz would be 100+. Production is superb, and the opening segment, showing us Carl's life with his beloved Ellie, is touching and true-to-life. Once the main story begins, however, things spin slightly out of control; as with all Pixar movies, there's a lot of action for action's sake, even if it doesn't always make sense. Nonetheless, this is a fun movie, suitable for ages 8 and up. I'd give it 4.5 stars if Amazon allowed half-stars.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Caution! Not for very young children!
Added 11/22/2009
For whatever reason, Disney once again resorts to gun violence to keep older kids entertained. There are also frightening scenarios involving dogs. Certainly, there are moments of laughter, and the serious subjects of aging, life and death are handled with sensitivity and respect. However, I urge caution before allowing children under ages five to six to watch the film. This story is marketed by Disney as a fun-filled family romp. The ads conveniently leave out the violence!
0 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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not a kids movie
Added 11/22/2009
Rented the movie today and thought it was only OK. Certainly didn't live up to the Pixar reputation like the Incredibles and Toy Story. It was rather violent for an animated film and there was no solid plot to follow. Funny parts throughout the movie, but I can't see a child getting into it or being able to follow it.
1 out of 7 people found this helpful.
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Loved it in theaters....but....
Added 11/21/2009
Watched it in the theater, loved it.
Blu-ray arrived yesterday, won't play in my PS3, just sits there on black screen. All my other Blu-rays play just fine.
2 out of 11 people found this helpful.
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Another masterpiece from Pixar
Added 11/22/2009
There is probably no name I trust more today in film and television than Pixar (with the exception of Mutant Enemy). Both the quality of their productions and the excellence of their scripts stand out among animated films. I particularly loved this one because it shatters all previous templates for what a film is supposed to be about. The main protagonist is a 78-year-old man who bears a resemblance to to Spencer Tracy and his main traveling companion is a young, rotund Asian boy scout. Along the way they acquire a delightfully absurd and gigantic bird and a talking dog (while I saw this film I was reading Clifford D. Simak's CITY, which features several talking dogs, so for a while talking dogs were a motif in my cultural life). All of this while attempting to relocate a house carried by thousands of helium-filled balloons to a mythical spot in South America called Paradise Falls. And the entire affair was prefaced by a story within the story, of the story of Carl and Ellie's long life together.
I've yet to see a Pixar movie that wasn't a complete delight. And as for the appropriateness for small children, I would not hesitate to show it to one. I think a child will find it entertaining, moving, and inspiring. The messages in the film are good, positive ones and I not only think that children can see this film without harm, but should be encouraged to do so.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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A near-great movie
Added 11/22/2009
I enjoyed "Up" quite a bit, despite some slow stretches and a couple of obvious plot holes - if Carl is 78 years old, Muntz would be 100+. Production is superb, and the opening segment, showing us Carl's life with his beloved Ellie, is touching and true-to-life. Once the main story begins, however, things spin slightly out of control; as with all Pixar movies, there's a lot of action for action's sake, even if it doesn't always make sense. Nonetheless, this is a fun movie, suitable for ages 8 and up. I'd give it 4.5 stars if Amazon allowed half-stars.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Caution! Not for very young children!
Added 11/22/2009
For whatever reason, Disney once again resorts to gun violence to keep older kids entertained. There are also frightening scenarios involving dogs. Certainly, there are moments of laughter, and the serious subjects of aging, life and death are handled with sensitivity and respect. However, I urge caution before allowing children under ages five to six to watch the film. This story is marketed by Disney as a fun-filled family romp. The ads conveniently leave out the violence!
0 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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