Up - review

With each passing year, Pixar produce classic after classic. And they are classic in a way that only improves with time. Watch the ones you think you're not that keen on again, and you'll be surprised at what a gem you've missed.

There's a simple way to tell if the animated film you're watching is a Pixar one. Does it make you cry? If so, it's Pixar. And this one made me cry. More than once. And not just at the end. The film's opening credits tell the story of how a young Carl meets Ellie. We then get a silent/musical montage that tells the story of their lives together, including Ellie's death. It's one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever seen, and is never sickly, just emotional.

The film soon finds its pace as we're introduced to the energetic Russell. And he highlights one of Pixar's true strengths. They really know how to write likeable kids. Kids in movies are frequently more irritating than adorable, yet Monsters Inc.'s Boo is utterly adorable. Even moody emo Violet in The Incredibles is watchable, rather than detestable (not to mention Dash and Jack-Jack). And here, motormouth Russell should be annoying as hell- but never is. Ditto with the young Ellie and near-mute Carl. Lovely stuff.

From here the plot kicks off and the film hits a high gear, pleasing its younger audience without alienating the adults. Some of the emotional connection may be lost, but you never lose sympathy with the characters, nor investment in the story.

The "talking" dogs are simply inspired (squirrel...............) and the laughs keep coming from the most unexpected of places.

It's almost a shame that next up from Pixar are two sequels- Toy Story 3 and Cars 2. Both are hugely welcome, but I can't wait to meet more wonderful creations from such an imaginitive studio.

I have to say, though, the 3D didn't feel as necessary here as it did in Bolt or even Toy Story. But it's a nice gimmick to give you the excuse to see it on the big screen, rather than lose out by watching it on DVD or download.

I'm not sure if Up rates as highly with me as Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo or WALL•E, but it certainly delivered on my very high expectations.