UP Lifts My Spirits

UP, the adventure packed tale of two unlikely companions, is Pixar’s most profound and imaginative story yet.

UP is a story about two endearing characters who embody the “spirit of adventure” in their own unique way.  Mr. Fredrickson,  a somber and grumpy old man whose life story is shared with the audience through a touching montage at the beginning of the movie, long desired to “seek adventure” in the wilderness lands of South America’s Paradise Falls.   Russell is a young boy whose “spirit of adventure” is much less ambitious: he simply desired to earn his final “Wilderness Explorers” badge – “assisting the elderly.”  Through an imaginative series of events, the two come together for a grand adventure that takes them “up” and into the heart of South America.  In South America, the two cross rugged terrain while pulling a hose attached to Mr. Fredricksen’s levitating house.  Their goal is to plant the house next to the scenic Paradise Falls before the balloons causing the house to levitate lose all their helium.  Along the way, some unexpected and amusing characters join Mr. Fredricksen and Russell.  Soon the whole group find themselves in a battle against the villain Charles Muntz, a man whose “spirit of adventure” has been shriveled and spoiled by his lustful desire for fame.  In the end, the heroic duo accomplishes their goals, but end up attaining something bigger and better than either could hope for.

The character development in this movie is as engaging as the story itself.   Specifically, the interplay between Mr. Fredricksen and Russell is entertaining and instructive.  Each character contributes to the flourishing of the other’s “spirit of adventure.”  Fredricksen’s dogged determination challenges Russell’s naive understanding of the wilderness, compelling Russell to do hard work and take risks.  Russell’s youthful optimism, childlike loyalty and determination eventually chip away at the hard shell that covers Fredricksen’s heart for exploration of the unknown.   A deep friendship emerges between these two multi-dimensional and well thought-out characters.  Each helps the other understand the true meaning of adventure; by the end of the movie each is a better character for having known the other.

In addition to serving up a high quality film, Pixar garnished UP with tasty metaphors, treats for healthy minds.   For example, Pixar values community and shared experience over the accumulation of “stuff.”  As symbolized by his pulling his floating house, Mr. Fredricksen pulls the weight of the stuff  he had accumulated through the course of his life.  For Mr. Fredricksen, the “stuff” keeps him mired in moments that should have instead become fond memories.  Through the course of the film, he comes to realize that true value lies not in stuff, but in the experiences one shares with others.  This realization leads to a “house cleaning”, which symbolizes his detachment from material possessions and his embrace of community and promise to do good.  The message is artfully delivered and powerful without being preachy.

Finally, the title itself warrants remark.  “UP” could literally refer to the upward motion of Mr. Fredricksen’s house as it is carried into the sky by balloons.  However, Pixar intends to do more than merely entertain and the title is symbolic of the higher things upon which Pixar asks us to reflect.  Children and adults alike should leave UP with their imaginations awakened; they should have gained understanding of the value and importance of relationships over things.  Overall, UP is uplifting, imaginative, enjoyable, and it will make your soul happy.  I laughed, cried, and walked away feeling reflective and refreshed.  I highly recommend this movie for the youthful at heart age 5-95.

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