REVIEW: “Up”

Summer is a chance for adventurous people to go out and explore the world.

In “Up,” Carl Fredricksen (Edward Asner, “Elf”) fulfills that lifelong dream and travels to Paradise Falls in Venezuela.

Even though he had a happy life as a balloon seller, Fredricksen has turned into a bitter old man.

When Fredricksen is in danger of losing his house, he attaches millions of balloons to it so it will float away with him to Paradise Falls.

The multicolored balloons, as well as some wildlife encountered in South America, are nothing short of visually stunning. The vibrant colors add a whimsical feel to the adventure.

“Up” is released in movie theaters as the newest in a string of 3-D movies.

The 3-D aspect is used more subtlety throughout the film. Often, it is used just to add slightly more dimension and detail to the characters and the scenery.

Since it is subtle, it prevents the movie from being too kitschy, which many viewers will enjoy. Some audiences might feel disappointed that the movie doesn’t have enough gimmicks to compensate for the higher ticket price.

After the house is up in the air, Fredricksen realizes he has a stow away, Russell (Jordan Nagai).

Russell is a Wilderness Explorer, who earlier was trying to find a way to help Fredricksen so he can finally earn his “assisting the elderly” badge.

Although the movie has ample silly, but enjoyable, comedy for any age group, it is deeply rooted in sentimentality, which at moments can be quite depressing.

There’s nothing terribly wrong with emotional based of the movie, but some people may be completely taken off guard based on the trailers.

As with Disney movies of the past, there is a death of a loved one.

With many past Disney movies, it was sad, but the audience does not have a deep emotional connection with Fredricksen’s wife, who dies at the beginning of the movie.

“Up” gives the viewer enough time to grow an attachment to the character before she dies. Although the moment is sad, the complete depth of the loss most likely will not be felt by younger viewers who have not experienced love and loss.

Despite how sad the viewer may feel, it is overall advantageous to the film because it gives a greater amount of depth and understanding of Fredricksen so he is not seen as just another grumpy old man.

Russell is also a deeper character than a silly, comedic reflection of Fredrickson. Through his interactions with Fredricksen, he is truly the heart of the movie.

As with many Disney movies, there are great life lessons that everyone can reflect on, such as what really makes an adventure.

“Up” is a deep, comical yet sentimental journey that anyone who is a kid at heart can escape into.

Four out of five stars.