In this laugh-out-loud comedy the whole family can enjoy, 78-year-old Carl Fredrickson (Edward Asner) crosses paths with 8-year-old Russell. Russell, voiced by Jordan Nagai, is a young Wilderness Explorer who arrives on Carl’s doorstep to earn his “Helping the Elderly” Badge. Carl’s sends him on a wild goose chase to find a “Snipe”, which obviously doesn’t exist, then due to a wild turn of events they both end up on their way to South America soaring in Carl’s flying house sustained by balloons.
Dug is just one of the many canine characters in the films that Carl and Russell encounter on their way to Paradise Falls, Carl’s dream destination. The canine’s belong to Charles Muntz (voiced by Christopher Plummer), an explorer obsessed with catching exotic animals. He has trained the dogs to search out exotic animals and given them a unique ability to communicate. Imagine the look on Carl and Russell’s faces when Dug responds to Russell’s command by saying “Hi there”.
Pixar’s second most recent film, the most recent being Toy Story 3, was directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson. Docter has also directed such films as Monster’s, Inc. and Mike’s New Car. This is the first film the Bob Peterson has directed, but he has voiced many films such as Toy Story 3, Cars, Finding Nemo, and voices a affectionate dog named Dug in Up.
Giving inanimate human characteristics has always played an extremely huge role is Disney/Pixar movies. It allows them to give characters, who normally wouldn’t speak, the ability to speak. It’s one of the things that make their movies so magical. For example the first Pixar movie is saw was Toy Story. It started out as your typical movie about a kid who had a bunch of toys he played with, but everything changed when Andy, the owner of the toys, leaves the room and all of his toys spring to life.
Up was the recipient of an Academy Award in 2010 for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year and Best Achievement in Music for Motion Pictures, Original Score. In my book, the movie receives a perfect 5/5 rating. The movie speaks to people of all different backgrounds, ages, and interest. It teaches you about how persistence is key, so in the words of the young explorer, “The wilderness must be explored! CA-CA! RAAWWRR!”
