Up (2009)

Up (Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson) is a heart- warming, animation which tells the story of seventy-eight year old Carl Frederickson and his journey to complete his and his late wife's dream to visit paradise falls. Carl became bitter and lonely after the passing of his wife realising their dreams were just that, wanting to escape this life he quite literally flies away accompanied by Boy Scout Russell and animals that join along the way. This tale explores grief and recovery in new ways, giving beautiful visuals and using colour to its fullest potential to give connoted meaning.

I didn't expect to enjoy or connect with the movie on the level that I did, first watching it when I was 14 it had me in tears as it explored the meaning of family and giving a beautiful message that trying new things, with people that you truly love can help you achieve your dreams and you have to break from your comfort zone despite past restrictions, and no matter how many times I watch this brilliant movie, it evokes the same feeling each time.

The use of colour in the first sequence instantly helps tug at the heart strings of the audience, the bright colours and lack of dialogue helps us connect with the images. The colour used to show Carl's younger life connotes happiness and joy, however the quick contrast of colour when switching to present day, helps us sympathise with the main character straight away. I found, the symbol of Ellie's book, found by Carl showing that all was not lost, really latched onto me and I carried that with me throughout the movie.

When we are faced with Carl's idol Charles Muntz, we see a huge contrast in personality as we are faced with someone who is not who he seemed, and became the villain to Carl, this sequence also reflects modern society, as we all idolise celebrities despite not knowing who they really are. Carl realises Charles is a selfish, cruel man using animals to build his status. And while this ruins his childhood idol it gives him the motivation to complete his task for his wife and, in turn do what's right.

This wonderful movie can be enjoyed by anyone, whether young or old, joining these characters on their journey, all of them evoking an emotional response including the, silly but lovable animals. This movie can be compared to other Pixar movies such as inside out, which focus on the emotions of people and really explore the deeper meaning. I believe overall the movie grabbed my attention and got to me on an emotional level, holding it very successful.