Quick review of Up
To contrast my previous review, which left a bitter taste in my mouth, let us now discuss Pixar's latest film, Up.
Up is a triumph of film-making that should serve as an example to the Tarantinos of the world as to how it's REALLY done. The introductory sequence in particular is a mesmerizing piece of visual poetry which runs for at least 20 minutes with almost no dialogue. Every frame is so carefully crafted to serve the theme that few words are needed throughout the film. The very shape of the characters - Carl square and confined, Ellie rounded like a balloon - contribute to characterization in a way no actor could replicate.
Up gets major credit for being that rarest of gems: a story that is wholly integrated with it's theme. The theme of Up could be stated as "adventure vs. love", and I hope I am not giving too much away when I say that the resolution of the plot shows that "love IS adventure".
Pixar are making the best films in the industry right now, and Up is their finest yet. It is an injustice that a film this good will not even be nominated for Best Picture, nor Pete Docter for Best Director.
I give Up 4 stars.