Todd is wrong about UP. OK, he's not totally, wrong, but just mostly wrong. It's great! It's got the one ingredient that most modern animations lack and that's magic. Yes there are issues, such as Todd suggested, but as usual, he's overblown them. It's hard to complain about logic problems, when we've already accepted the premise that an entire house can float across continents, using thousands of helium balloons.
Asner was the perfect voice, for a character who's a dead ringer for Spencer Tracy. He had just the right texture and cadence, but didn't get in the way of the character. But again, I had to constantly remind myself that it was Asner's voice, because I couldn't get Tracy out of my head.
I will agree that the villain, voiced by Plumber has the "no there, there" quality. I'm not sure it was necessary to even have a villain. The struggle to get where they were going, could have been enough. But animations seem to need villains, so, it's got a villain. Also, I will agree that there are about 3 scenes that literally make kids scream and cry. Do all animations really need that much violence, particularly when they're heavily marketed to children?
Anyway, the kid's antics are amusing as hell. The dogs (particularity the lab in the trailers) are hysterical and you will be left humming the theme song.
tOdd, I wonder if, perhaps, your good "good movie" detector has malfunctioned. I've disagreed with some of your reviews in the past, but it just seems you've been far more cynical over the past year. Perhaps with extra stresses like having freelance work, you've lost sight of where you were when you first made the website? Or perhaps the world has become darker, but IMHO, you've become much more cynical, especially when it comes to movies. Just my two cents.
Haven't seen up and now I might just wait until DVD release. I usually avoid 3D films in theaters anyway since I've discovered they give me one TERRIFIC headache requiring multiple aspirins and a caffeinated drink.[I have a high glasses prescription...maybe that's it.]
Would love to hear input on your 3D experience with UP or other films.
What we're seeing is the result of the joining of Disney and Pixar. Pixar was great before, because it wasn't Disney and could therefore be better than Disney.
They have a lot of 2-D screenings, which is the one I will be going too. ( Not that I hate 3-D, I see how it could be a good time, I just don't want to be distracted by it for this probably great movie)
The collar thing was used for the dogs to communicate with human beings, so it doesn't make sense for the dogs to communicate with each other using them. Shouldn't they have been barking when talking to each other? (This one didn't bother me that much, actually)
I agree with Todd actually guys. Stop jumping on the UP bandwagon. I went into the movie 100% ready to love it, but it didn't happen. Unfortunately I think Todd is right on the money, the story wasn't anything I found myself caring about.
I've found with all the previous Pixar movies (excluding cars) that I'll want to watch them every few months. I feel like UP just won't have that much re-watchability, especially when you know when the emotional punches are coming.
Haven't seen UP yet, but as far as the 3D thing goes... bleh.
The last movie I saw in 3D was Monster House. I didn't want to see that movie in 3D and didn't even know it was going to be a 3D showing until some guy handed me the stupid glasses. I thought the whole 3D thing was nothing but a huge distraction. Every scene I was like, "Ok that was funny, but would it maybe have been funnier if it had been normal 2D and I could watch it normally?"... or... "Ok that scene was stupid, but maybe that was just because it was 3D and was way too annoyingly done up with 3D."
Just give me my movies straight up, thank you. None of this fancy, 'not even sure what I'm looking at' crap.
I mean what does NPR know they don't even get paid.. gotta go begging around for their money and what not. I think that everyone is still riding the 'It's a cartoon but it has funny stuff for adults too' bandwagon. I'm 50 50 on the up preview so I probably wont be going to see it. Freebs?
(Actually my favorite show on radio is on NPR it's called Radio Lab friggin awesome)
Wow. First of all I would like to say that your review was kind of a spoiler. I try not to read the reviews before I see the movie anyway because I like a surprise, but I glanced at the UP review right before I saw it. So that being said, even without giving away most of the story, I can tell you why OT didn't like it. He doesn't have a lady in his life! My BF and I saw it together and have to say it's the most romantic movie we have ever both enjoyed. So get some tail and maybe you'll like it more tOdd
OMG! This movie sucked. For many reasons. But the most glaring fuck-up made by the creators was that Muntz was the old guy's childhood hero. CHILDHOOD HERO! Pay attention. The old guy had to be in his 70s. That would make Muntz in his 90s at least. Nope...no mention of this. Suddenly they seem like generational peers. WTF!?!?!
And to not explain the child's dilemma? He is an orphan? Was he abandoned by his father and left to live with his stepmother? Is Phyllis his social worker? WTF!?!?! Remember, this is a KIDS' movie...do you think the kids got the picture!?!?!?
If this crapfest actually get's a nomination as best picture, it will be proof that there is something seriously wrong with the Oscar system.
I hope The Princess and the Frog gets best animated film. I really didn't like anything about Up except for Doug.
In The Princess and the Frog I liked everything each character had to offer, the music was great and the animation was amazing. I hope it wins. Seems like for years now whatever Pixar film came out has been the winner by default.
I wouldn't take a kid to this movie. I found it too depressing and not all that kid related. OK sure it was animation and there were a couple of funny bits but for the most part I thought it was a downer.
I really like Pixar flics and this one I might watch again.
