MYST POST #5: UP
This past weekend, I watched the movie Up with my little sister. As cheesy as animated movies can be, I actually really enjoy watching this movie. It is about an old man named Carl who lives by himself and appears to be bitter to the majority of his neighbors. Carl lives a normal, yet slow life of sitting around his house and watching his society become more and more advanced and modern. Then one day a little boy named Russell knocks on his door and ultimately changes his life. Russell, a young boy scout, has many annoying habits that Carl hates, but by the end of the movie the two develop a loving friendship. Up contains many adventurous scenes and has cute, heartfelt messages. Even though the audience is aimed at children, I believe that anyone would enjoy this movie. I would give Up a five out of five stars for its creativity and unique plot line.
There was a lot of interesting camerawork throughout this movie. For example, the director used a lot of extreme long shots in order to show the setting. Carl and Russell are trying to go to Paradise Falls in the movie, but it is taking them a while to get there seeing that they have to overcome many obstacles. When the two finally reach their tropical destination, the camera pans out and shows the tiny house perched on the edge of the waterfall and canyons. It was a cool shot because it showed the houses size and relation to the rest of the scenery. Also, I think that this shot symbolized Carl's role in his life and how he feels like he is small and insignificant compared to the rest of the big world outside his house. There was a lot of color used in this movie as well. Each new scene consisted of bright blues and greens for their tropical setting and location. The balloons were a key symbol in the movie, and each balloon brought a variety of color.
One scene that really stuck out to me was the ending scene. Carl and Russell were finally back home from their journey and were getting ice cream at a local ice cream place. Earlier in the movie, Russell brought up this ice cream place to Carl and stated that his dad used to take him to the place, where they would spend quality time together. Since Russell's father left him though, the two hadn't done that in a while. The end scene shows Carl and Russell at the same ice cream place, sitting on the side of the road. They are playing games, talking, and sharing each other's company whilst enjoying an ice cream cone. This was a really important scene because it showed Carl's more sensitive side. It provided pathos also since the scene represented the fact that Carl had sort of taken over the fatherly role in Russell's life.
Up reminds me of the movie Shrek. Just like Up, Shrek goes on a long journey with Donkey. Donkey relates to Russell because both talk a lot, portray kid-like attention spans, and most of all annoy their companions Shrek and Carl. However, Shrek ends up caring a lot for Donkey in the end, just as Carl cared for Russell. Shrek was directed by Andrew Adamson though, while Up was directed by Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson. Still, the two movies have very similar plots, themes, and messages. Overall, Up is a really touching movie and appropriate for all ages. If interested at all, check out the trailer below...
Katherine i really enjoyed your blog. i have seen the movie UP before believe it or not i watched it with my little cousin. for being animated and a children's movie i really liked it it was a good story that made you think a little. i'm most likely watching this next time i have to entertain my little cousins..... ever gonna get back with cascio is what i wonder
ReplyDeleteKatherine good job with your blog. I actually haven't seen Up, i know its crazy im like the only person ever. I really want to see it though and your post encouraged me even more now. Ive heard similar things to what you said about it, its a kids movie but it has adult messages that are appropriate for all ages. Good analysis on the scene too, that sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine! What struck me more about this movie rather than the plot, would be its "look." I think that the movie, and even its plot were created in order to make a masterpiece of animation. You could see that the scene in which he releases all of the balloons and his house lifts off, that that scene was created so animators could make a really beautiful picture. An additional feature of its unique look is that these first 10 minutes or so are basically a silent movie, it is entirely geared toward painting a picture more than witty dialogue. I think it did very well at what it's intention was, and I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteKatherine this movie is one of my favorite pixar films. Im so happy that you liked it just as much as I did. But my favorite scene in the movie is in the beginning when it shows how the grandpa and grandma fall in love and how she eventually dies, it was sooo sad but i agree this movie doesn't just target a kids audience. All ages would enjoy this movie.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really good review! Up is a classic that I could see over and over again. I agree that the bright colors used in the movie really stands out and makes the movie that much better. I thought it was interesting how you compared it to the movie Shrek, another animation. I had never noticed that similarity between the two until you pointed it out and you're right that they are very alike! Good job!
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