On CLIPS In June, 2009
UP

Powered by balloons, a house airlifts homeowner Carl Fredricksen (the voice of Ed Asner) and a stowaway to faraway lands in the latest Pixar animated feature.

TRIVIA: This is the first Pixar movie to be filmed in what format?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (5 CAMS)     RATED PG

Retired balloon salesman and widower Carl Fredricksen (the voice of Ed Asner) fulfills a lifelong dream of seeing South America by sailing off in his house powered by thousands of balloons. Along for the ride is reluctant stowaway Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), an enthusiastic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer. Together they experience the thrill of a lifetime. "Up" is magical animated entertainment for the entire family. Running the gamut of emotions from tears of joy and laughter to sadness, this whimsical tale provides another Best Picture nomination possibility for those animation masters at Pixar. Director Pete Docter and Co-Director Bob Peterson not only helm this visually impressive delight, but both also penned the heart-filled screenplay from a story they co-wrote with Tom McCarthy. Peterson is also the voice of Dug, an energetic, but not too bright, dog who follows the travelers. Breathtaking computer-generated landscapes, fully-developed endearing characters and unforgettable music (composed by Michael Giacchino) continue a tradition that Walt Disney started with his own studio. Combining with Pixar was a good move for the Disney folks. There are only a few recognizable voices in the cast besides Ed Asner. Among them are Christopher Plummer as outcast explorer Charles Muntz and the studio's good luck charm John Ratzenberger as Construction Foreman Tom. Get to the theater early because there's a cartoon short that shouldn't be missed. "Partly Cloudy" is brilliant and hilarious. Giving the plot away would spoil the fanciful fun. If you happen to miss it, "Up" is still the main reason to attend. Practically perfect in every way, this is Pixar's most uplifting adventure yet!