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Posted: Friday, 29 May 2009 9:44AM
"UP"
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(PG)
Here's a family film that begins with great promise. We meet Carl, a bright young boy ready for adventure as he sits in wonder before black and white newsreels of his hero, a world explorer. Soon Carl meets more than his match in Ellie, a smart, feisty girl ready for anything. This is lovely filmmaking, the kind of heart and wit Pixar is famous for in movies like Monster, Inc, Toy Story and Ratatouille. Carl's world changes and we meet him as a sad old man (voice of Ed Asner), surrounded by memories and opportunities lost.
Soon his house is on its way to South America, with a determined young Scout along for the ride. Here's where the film becomes disappointing. The 3--D technology is so subtle as to be invisible, dogs are demonized to the point where young children may forever be afraid of them, and the story seems long and sometimes boring. Yes, there is one sweet dog, but that doesn't take away nightmarish images of frightening killer dogs. There are sweet and funny moments, especially with our intrepid Scout, as well as lovely visuals that begged for the kind of 3-D use that made Monsters Vs. Aliens such visual fun. Still, not a rip off and good for children who do not scare easily, tweens, teens and adults looking for some fun, escape and heart at the movies.
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Copyright 2009, KCBS. All Rights Reserved.
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