Cast: Voices of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Delroy Lindo, Jordan Nagal
Director: Pete Docter
Every once in a while comes a movie as endearing as a grandmother's lap, as joyous as Tendulkar on song. UP is that kind of a movie: a magical joyride on 10,000 balloons that fills you with an unbearable lightness of being, and literally as well as figuratively, takes you to cloud nine. Crafted in the Disney-Pixar stable, Oscar-nominated director Pete Docter's flight of imagination evokes the feel of adventure, comedy and drama -- sometimes all at the same time. And if you occasionally get the impression of watching a buccaneering cartoon version of Indiana Jones, that's ok too.
The movie's first 15 minutes are its weakest. And on first impression, there is little appealing about UP's protagonist: Carl Fredricksen, a grumpy, pugnacious widower with a shock of white hair, big glasses and the squarest face you will ever see. Perhaps the oldest Hollywood hero of this millennium, Carl is still wedded to the memory of his wife (Ellie) who has left behind an album of their unfulfilled dream: a visit to Paradise Falls in South America. Part of the old man's crankiness comes from a feeling of helplessness. The land surrounding his house has been taken over by real estate builders. The noise and dust raised by the construction irritates Carl. That's why he turns snappy when egg-headed Russell, an earnest but bumbling kid, knocks at his door.
But Carl has a surprise for everyone. Using helium-filled balloons, he hauls his house above the ground and makes it soar. With Russell as accidental company, a rollicking voyage follows --- in the air and on the ground --- as a crazy explorer and his ferocious pack of dogs hunt for a rare multi-coloured bird that the duo has discovered. Two of an unkind, Carl and Russell make a great team. The change of tenor in their relationship -- from tolerance to bonding --- never feels fake.
It's been six years since Finding Nemo (2003) hit the screens but we still fondly and vividly remember the small fish, his father, even those sharks with mouths wider than India Gate. The characters of UP are equally unforgettable. Kevin, the flightless bird that looks like an ostrich but is feathered like a rainbow, is delightful. The scene where she flings Russell like a ball of wool in the air and rocks him like a baby makes for the movie's most affectionate moments. And Dug, the golden mutt who behaves like a lamb, is as cute as it gets.
Neatly scripted with first-rate production values --- in the climax, the swordfights and the fighter aircraft stunts are edge-of-the-seat stuff --- UP is like a wish granted for all. What more can you ask for in times of swine flu and fake austerity measures?
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