Up (2009)

Up (2009) is a warm, visually stunning animated adventure that sends viewers on an emotional and hilarious journey. 78-year-old widower Carl Fredricksen fulfills a lifelong dream by tying thousands of balloons to his house and floating it to the remote Paradise Falls — only to discover a determined young stowaway, Boy Scout Russell, has come along for the ride. Their trip becomes an unpredictable odyssey through the South American wilderness, where they befriend a talking dog named Dug and a giant, colorful bird called Kevin, and come into conflict with Carl’s once-idolized explorer, Charles Muntz. Watching Up, you’ll experience a broad range of emotions: the film opens with a short, wordless montage about Carl and his late wife Ellie that’s guaranteed to move many viewers to tears, then pivots into a buoyant, funny, and often thrilling adventure. The animation is rich with imaginative details (the floating house itself is a marvel), the humor lands for both kids and adults, and the performances give real warmth to the odd-couple pairing of grumpy Carl and earnest Russell. Beyond the laughs and spectacle, Up explores themes of grief, the promises we make, and the unexpected ways new relationships can help us move forward. It’s a beautifully told, family-friendly film that balances heartfelt drama with slapstick and swashbuckling moments — a memorable, uplifting experience that leaves you feeling both teary and joyful.

Actors: Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger

Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson

Runtime: 96 min

Genres: Adventure, Animation, Comedy

7.9 /10 88 /100 8.3 /10 8.3 /10