Up

What can I say, Pixar has done it again.

Warning: I'm going to review the film in full so in case there is any plot movement that isn't meant to be known it's best not to proceed.

Up is of course the latest film by the genius that is the Pixar film studio. And it it right up there with the best, even if it has somewhat of a sombre beginning.

We meet the young Carl Fredrickson as he is captivated by the deeds of explorer Charles Muntz. After detailing Carl's life, his marriage and his wife's inability to conceive we are left with a man who is trying to deal with his wife's unfulfilled dreams. He meets an eager, if slightly misguided, boy scout called Russell and sends him on a wild goose chase to appease him.

When he is about to be shipped off to a retirement village Carl lets thousands of balloons tied to his chimney loose and the house floats off. He leaves in search of Rainbow Falls, his wife's dream adventure. Inadvertently, Russell comes along for the ride having chased something under Carl's house. It's a classic scene when he rings the doorbell as Carl is sailing along high in the sky.

When they arrive in South America the house is left in a precarious position and ever so close to Carl's dream.

While trying to drag the house to the final resting spot by the falls, Russell comes across a large rare and colourful bird he names Kevin (though we find out Kevin is in fact a girl), and a talking dog called Dug. The talking bit is quite clever and is a long running joke for the remainder of the film. Actually, the dog and his comrades are responsible for many a laugh throughout the film.

Like all the Pixar movies there is a lesson to be learned from Up. But I will leave that to you.

Despite its sad beginning, Up is a very funny and uplifting film (I saw it in 3D and it was awesome in that format). And, again like all the Pixar films, it is successful because of the characters - for me Russell and the dog Dug were the standouts.

Keep an eye out through the credits for a bit of a running gag, one that is not your usual Pixar fare to begin with.

Also, I must mention the opening short called Partly Cloudy, another absolute gem.

Up easily gets a 9 out of 10 from me and at this point is the best movie I've seen this year. Don't miss it.