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Since Carl is not any of the above and is truly human, you
find it much easier to relate to him. He’s a lovable 78 year old
curmudgeon, a balloon salesman and widower who wants nothing more
than to fulfill a promise he made to his dearly departed wife Ellie-
travel to Paradise Falls in Venezuela and live right next to it.
Their story, told from the beginning, is just so enchanting, you
can’t help but to shed a few tears.
Carl’s determination to make good on his word prompts him to
attach thousands of small helium filled zeppelins to his house,
literally tearing it from it’s foundation and into the sky.
Unfortunately while in midair he discovers that a plucky wilderness
explorer named Russell has accidentally taken off with him. The boy
had been looking for something called snipe under Carl’s house at
his request; he figured that was the only possible way to rid
himself of this cute, well-meaning kid who’s only trying to earn his
elderly assistance badge. Now, much to Carl’s chagrin he’s on his
way to Venezuela with him.
Engaging storylines never seem to run out for Pixar veterans,
Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson. Neither do they fall short of
interesting characters to inhabit them. Riding on the flaming treads
of Wall-E, it’s good that they bring us down to earth again, then
lif t us up with two laughable, adorable opposites who must work
together to survive this trip.
Ed Asner, one of the best things about the Mary Tyler Moore show
from the 70’s, generates such a “Lou Grant” aura while voicing Carl,
you can’t help but to like him. It’s certainly easy to envision Carl
and Ed with similar facial expressions, making him one with the
character.
I’m hoping to see (or in this case, hear) more from newcomer
Jordan Nagai. He was only seven when doing the voiceovers for Carl’s
unwelcome sidekick Russell and conveys a childlike innocence.
Jordan’s Russell is just a kid, not a precocious know-it-all who’s
more happy just being a kid than a precocious know-it-all. Very
relieving in a our present time where our offspring seem to know to
much.
Appealing to adults as well as children has been a
major part of Pixar’s success. As long as they continue mining this
key element as they have apparently done with Up, I’msure they’ll be
around for another perfect 10 for 10.
This review is dedicated in loving memory to
Samantha Harmon
4 March 1965 - 13
June 2009
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