Plot: A young couple dreams of an adventure on a South American Mountain, but don't go, and then they grow old. After the woman, Ellie, dies, the old man, Mr. Carl Fredricksen, turns his house into an airship, and floats off to South America. Russell, a neighborhood boy, stows away. When they arrive, they have trouble landing the house, and meet a rare and endangered giant bird (Kevin), and a talking dog (Dug), who befriend them. They also meet the Carl's childhood hero, Charles Muntz -- who mysteriously turned into a bad guy during the intervening years. Charles tries to steal the bird, and Carl tries to fight him off.
Review: This is a sincere and sometimes charming story with constant wistfulness for the departed wife. Carl is a realistic character with feelings and needs that we care about. The side characters including Russell are less interesting sidelights. The adventure story is always lively, and has some fun surprises, like the talking dogs. I got tired of balloons breaking and dragging the floating house around. This movie was worthwhile, and better than many, but not at all as good as Wall*E.
This is another version of the story where a crusty old man who turns into a loving, lively (but still old) man -- same plot as Gran Torino, but with floating houses.
Notice how I did not mention the 3D -- that is because it wasn't noticeable. I suspect that the wide-shots of the South American mountains were better. This is an intangible thing, and if it enhanced my enjoyment it is hard to be sure. It did cost me $2 more per ticket though.
Directed by Pete Docter; Written by Bob Petersen and Pete Docter
Rating: 2.5
1/2
More: I loved the scene of the dogs playing poker like C.M. Coolidge's classic cigar ads.
