Why "Up" is Pixar's finest film

College Confidential Community
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<p>Disclaimer: I've yet to see Rataouille, and that could conceivably become my favourite. But at this point, I'm forced to ignore that lauded film.</p>

<p>I think "Up" is the closest American animation has come to equaling its Japanese counterpart in terms of mature storytelling involving human beings. While Pixar's previous efforts were outstanding, they usually had that whimsical Disney twist of anthromorphized animals and objects. And while "The Incredibles" starred humans, it still had the high concept of a superhero family.</p>

<p>But "Up" ignores all the plush doll market potential and instead tells the story of an embittered and reclusive old man. I mean, the very idea that a movie that cost $175 million has the guts to NOT star some teenage nymphet, steroid-assisted action hero, or cutesy CGI animal is astounding to me, and is a testament to the commitment that Pixar has to telling a great story with meaningful characters.</p>

<p>"Up" has a somber theme, and it is that everyone of us is going to die one day. They don't wrap it up in metaphor or allegory. Carl and Ellie and Russell are one of us, and there is no filter or distortion between their experience and ours. Never before has an animated film tackled such a weighty issue with such naked conviction. That's why the film is so powerful. </p>

<p>What if "Monsters Inc" was set in modern times and revolved around the global energy crisis and the powerful corporations that would stop at nothing to make a profit? </p>

<p>What if "Toy Story" was about American blue collar labourers who could not stop their own inevitable obsolescence in a globalized economy? </p>

<p>What if "Up" was about real people and their disappointment at how their life turned out? Oh wait, it is.</p>

<p>I could go on and on about how much I love this film, but nobody would read such a long post. I'm just so happy at how well "Up" is doing at the box office because it proves that art and commercial success do not have to be mutually exclusive, and that audiences are smart enough to appreciate great works even if they don't conventional heroes. </p>

<p>Your thoughts?</p>

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<p>SPOILERS IN MY POST.</p>

<p>I disagree with your interpretation of the film, although I do think it is Pixar’s finest (but I haven’t seen The Incredibles). They aren’t disappointed with how their lives turn out. This is proven when he opens the Adventure book at the end and discovers Ellie had already filled it with memorable moments they had spent together. Their dreams changed from traveling to Paradise Falls to being content with their happy marriage and time spent together. Their lives didn’t turn out exactly how they planned but they were still content with the ultimate outcome.</p>

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<p>(Please, please, please – see Ratatouille as soon as possible. It’s a masterpiece.)</p>

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<p>I completely agree with P&O. I thought the film’s message was that the simple events of day-to-day life are just as important as grand adventures and achievements.</p>

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<p>i loved up so much. it was a good thing i had my 3D glasses to hide my tears because i was crying half the time. i’ve loved all of the pixar films, my favorites being ratatouille and toy story.</p>

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<p>I’m a hardcore “The Incredibles” fan. I haven’t seen Up yet, but I don’t count on it being better.
I also loved “a Bug’s Life”. Was that Pixar? Or Dreamworks?</p>

<p>I guess I’m the only one who hated Ratatouille.</p>

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<p>It’s not Pixar’s finest, but it’s definitely up there. My favorite is Wall-E, then ratatouille, then toy story, then Up.</p>

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<p>I haven’t seen Up, but in defense of Toy Story and Monsters Inc, I thought the allegory was what made these movies good. Making a movie about the energy crisis that’s accessible and entertaining to young children takes real creativity. And adults usually find the double meaning more entertaining. It’s kind of like Dr. Seuss in that way. (Have you looked at any of his books since you passed age 5? They’re not just about North-Going Zaks.)</p>

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<p>out of animated movies. up comes in second only to Ratatouille for me</p>