Celebrating Pixar's UP: My Essay

Exactly two years ago, on May 29th, 2009, Disney/Pixar's UP was released in theaters. We were introduced to many great new characters, including Carl Fredricksen, Russell, Dug, Kevin, and of course, Ellie. Audiences all over the world loved UP, so I think it's important we take some time today to honour the day that we first saw this true masterpiece.

I have written an essay about UP, and what a marvelous film it was, and have posted it below. Please take the time to read at least one or two paragraphs.

UP, the hit animated film from the summer of 2009, is without a doubt one of the best movies I’ve ever watched. The story grabs your attention from the very start and takes you on a wild ride throughout the course of the film. UP was especially designed to be a movie for people both young and old. Also, this motion picture was embraced worldwide by critics and audiences alike. It’s easy to say that it is quite tough to come up with a valid reason to why UP is not an outstanding movie.

            Many of the greatest films that have ever been created are so astounding because they have strong and intriguing storyline. UP is similar to such classics like Titanic and The Lord of the Rings because it tells a story that clutches you on for the ride the instant you see 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen lift up his house with thousands of balloons. Just when you think that the movie couldn’t get any more bizarre, a chubby 8-year-old wilderness explorer named Russell hitches a ride on Carl’s house, and the two unlikely heroes go on an exotic adventure to the wild jungles of South America. UP takes you on an exhilarating trip through your own emotions. At times of the film, you’ll feel like crying, at others you’ll be laughing insanely, and other scenes will have you at the edge of your seat! This film also introduces the audience to a whole slew of funny, colourful, loveable characters. Carl the grouchy old man really has a heart of gold, Russell the wilderness explorer is endearingly innocent, Dug the dog is dopey but very huggable, and Kevin the giant flightless bird always shows her true colors.

            Out of all the big blockbuster movies out there, only a handful can be enjoyed by children, teenagers, and adults alike, but UP intelligently manages to entertain audiences of all ages. When a family watches this film, it will keep the parents from dozing off in the middle of the opening act, and the kids from taking a nap as they try to figure out what the movie is even about. Even though violent fights, car chases, and explosions are often a key element in many films, UP does a good job on its own without all the extreme action. Young children will stay just as engaged as older audience members, because there will be no scenes that will scare them off. This spectacular animated flick teaches the entire family a valuable lesson. In the movie, when the main protagonist, Carl, finally fulfills his and his departed wife’s dream, he realizes that an adventure doesn’t have to be in a wild, mysterious place filled with tons of dangers, but that an adventure is the precious moments you spend with the people you love.

            UP received countless of overwhelmingly positive reviews, and many referred to it as one of the best films of 2009. Internet website Rotten Tomatoes reports that 98% of critics gave the movie a positive review. Critic Ben Mankiewicz states that UP has “the perfect blend of heart and humour.” The film’s success also showed when the awards season came. At the 82^nd Academy Awards, UP took home the award for Best Animated Feature, and even received a nomination for Best Picture. Audiences demonstrated their love for this wonderful picture at the box office, where it earned approximately $731,342,744 worldwide. I am one of the people that loved this film as well, because of its remarkable action, hysterical humour, and the incredibly moving story it tells.

            UP does exactly what movies are supposed to do; it entertains people. The completely unique and imaginative story is a vast part that makes this movie successful. UP doesn’t amuse just kids, but it takes the whole family along for the journey. Judging by the amount of good reviews it received and all the money it grossed, there is no denying that UP was a truly epic film. Therefore, many people agree that Pixar achieved yet another great triumph in 2009 with the miraculously entertaining UP.

I hope you enjoyed my essay, as I really enjoyed writing it! More importantly, I hope it reminded you what a miraculous piece of art UP is! Hopefully a handful of you readers are now rushing to your TVs and watching the movie all over again!