UP - DVD

Jonas Rivera, producer. Up. Walt Disney Pictures, 2009. Rated PG. 96 minutes. ISBN 0-7888-9370-X

Plot

Carl Fredericksen is a retired balloon seller, senior citizen, and a recent widower. He misses his adventurous wife, Ellie. He feels sad that they did not make their dream trip to Paradise Falls in South America before she died. When Russell, a young Wilderness Explorer, comes to his door in hopes of aiding the elderly to earn his last merit badge, Carl sends him off on a snipe hunt. Carl and his home are surrounded by new property development. When a construction vehicle accidentally knocks over his mail box, Carl loses his temper and hits a construction worker on the head with this cane. He ends up in court, is labeled a public menace, and is sentenced to life in a retirement home. Instead of going there, Carl attaches thousands of helium balloons to his house and takes off for South America. Russell accidentally stows away on Carl's porch, and so their adventure together begins. They reach South America just short of Paradise Falls. Carl realizes that he and Russell can tow his house to the falls, so they begin walking. Russell finds a real snipe and names her Kevin. Then they meet a talking dog named Dug. This odd foursome is threatened when the crazed adventurer Charles Muntz realizes that Kevin is the bird he has been seeking for decades. Carl, Russell, and Dug must rescue Kevin and find a way to return home.

Critical Evaluation

The animation in this movie is beautiful. Carl, Ellie, and their home look ready for visitors. I'd like to move right in with them. Russell is adorable in his young enthusiastic approach to life. The animation often tells the story. The characters make their thoughts clear without talking. The music is almost a character in the story as well. A repeated musical theme appears in happy and sad parts of the movie, tying it all together.

Annotations

Carl Fredericksen decides he must leave his hometown but takes his home with him. Young Wilderness Explorer Russell comes along for the ride, they have incredible adventures in South America, and realize that the time they spend with loved ones are the best adventures of all.

Author

Not applicable.

Genre

Fiction - Adventure

Curriculum Ties

Not applicable.

Booktalk Ideas

Not applicable.

Viewing Level/Interest Age

Grade 2 (age 7) and up.

Challenge Issues and Defense

There are scenes of peril and scary action. The PG rating is appropriate.

Why is it here?

Kids love this popular, recent movie. Adults love it, too.