| UP/ "THE WILDERNESS MUST BE EXPLORED! KAAARRGGHHH KAHHHH RAARRR!!!!!" |
| Written by Sacha Young |
| Friday, 04 September 2009 20:39 |
 'UP' is a ninety-six minute tight-knit, high-flying comedy-fantasy, beautifully executed and filled with every emotion under the sun. 'Up' will have you continuously chuckling, hitting your hand on your knee, shrieking at the hilarity... and internally exploding from admiring the delightfully engaging antics of the films characters. I fell in love with 'Up', as soon as it begun. I couldn't help but feel connected to the story right from the beginning; a story that is relatable no matter what your age is, or circumstances may be. The separation that usually lingers between a film and its viewers is remarkably closed, within this captivating tale.  Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner), is introduced as a middle-of-the-road young boy who meets the love of his life; Ellie, at a very young and enthusiastic age. Compressed into a brilliant mind-blowing introduction, you are taken on an emotional roller-coaster of their lives together. From the very first spark of friendship, to their gripping wedding day, to a life full of love and maturity. Unfortunately, Ellie passes away... and Carl; aged 78, is faced with life-questioning thoughts, whilst he remains stubborn toward the ever-expanding development of his city, which turns out to be happening right outside his very own house. Carl reflects on the dreams Ellie and he had for their lives - the most significant of all - to live in their clubhouse on the edge of Paradise Falls in South America.  Having occupationally been a salesman for balloons... Carl is familiar with the words; helium balloon +fly =up. 20,000 helium balloons later (F.Y.I. kids, in real life you would need around 23 million helium balloons), Carl's house is 'up, up and away'. To his discomfort, he is confronted with the presence of young-wilderness-explorer-want-to-be Russell, who was stowed away under the balcony after Carl had sent him on a snipe hunt 24 hours earlier. Fredricksen is faced with no choice but to welcome him in with open arms. Okay well... welcome him in, none the less. Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai) is 70 years Carl's junior and is faced with the mother of all challenges; to complete his Merit set with an 'Assisting the Elderly' badge.  Wilderness Adventurer Russell must quickly confront real life situations, testing his near-to-nothing skills of adventuring in practical situations. Carl and Russell are two of the most unlikely heroes... but boy oh boy! 'Up' takes you on an action-packed and giggle-tastic journey like none before.  'UP' is in cinemas from September 10th!  |
