Up

Directed by: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson

Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, John Ratzenberger

Running Time: 1h 36min

Okay, i have to admit, i cried when i saw Up. Now, there were some mitigating circumstances, but it truly speaks to the power of a synergy of montage animation and eloquent score. If there's anything truly remarkable about Pixar's latest triumph, it is the understated musical score by Michael Giacchino that strikes stirring emotional chords. The slow notes from the piano, coupled with the images of the lead characters at the beginning of the film create the most emotionally packed five minutes i have ever witnessed in an animated film, or quite possibly any film for that matter. From that moment forward, we realize that Pixar is taking us in a direction that isn't typical Disney fare, though the cute factor and comic relief comes in plentiful amounts.

Despite a darkness and menace that is rare in films of this nature, Up is through and through a crowd pleaser. The unlikely relationship between old man Carl and boy scout Russell drive the film, but the zany premise of a balloon powered flying house and other creatures endowed with technology (an invention pulled from real life--believe it or not) give it a fantasy feel. Not as consistently brilliant from start to finish as, say, Ratatouille (few films are), Up is still a worthy addition to Pixar's ever expanding catalogue of classics.

Grade: A