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Movies & More: 'Up' thrilling, touching, perfect for family movie night

November 19, 2009 @ 12:00 AM

Movies & More reviewer John Gillispie thinks that "Up," rated PG and featuring the voice talents of Ed Asner and Christopher Plummer, is a great family movie that will have you cheering for the good guys.

Within the first 12 minutes of "Up," I had a tear falling down my cheek. I cannot remember the last time that an animated film managed to make me feel such real emotion.

Those beginning minutes introduce the viewer to young Carl and Ellie, who both long for adventure and are huge fans of explorer Charles Muntz. We see the two age from childhood to adulthood and marriage in a matter of minutes. The animators show us how much the two love each other and how something always gets in the way of their dream for adventure.

Later, Carl (voiced by Ed Asner) finds himself alone and his home surrounded by construction. He's on the verge of being taken to a nursing home when he unleashes a plan to fly his home to Paradise Falls, the place in South America that he and Ellie dreamed of going as young adventurers.

Having attached thousands of brightly colored balloons to this home, Carl sees his house take to flight, with a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell still on the front porch. Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai) has more enthusiasm than skill and his upbeat personality clashes with Carl's disdain.

Eventually, the two find themselves very near Paradise Falls and in the middle of a real adventure involving a dog named Dug (voiced by Bob Peterson) and a rare giant bird that Russell names Kevin, even though it eventually turns out to be a female.

Dug is a great character and can speak because of a special collar that translates his thoughts into words. Dug thinks like a dog so his words are often funny. Turns out Dug is one of dozens of dogs with similar collars who are searching for Kevin.

The person behind the pack of dogs and their special collars is voiced by Christopher Plummer. His character turns out to be a first-class villain out to capture Kevin at any cost. And it's up to Carl, Russell and Dug to save the day.

"Up" causes the viewer to invest real emotion into the actions of the good guys, and the movie is rated PG because even though they are animated, they are in real danger.

You want Carl, Russell, Dug and Kevin to prevail, and I don't think the ending of "Up" will disappoint many people at all.

This is a great film that parents and children will enjoy together. And I wouldn't be surprised to see a regular TV series featuring these beloved characters sometime soon. I wouldn't mind going on more adventures with them myself.

John Gillispie is the public relations director for the Huntington Museum of Art. Contact the writer at jgillisp@hmoa.org.

Movie reviewer John Gillispie think PixarÕs ÒUpÓ is another triumph that will have you cheering for the good guys.

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