Playing: Windowsill by Arcade Fire
I watched Pixar’s UP in 3D on Saturday. I wanted to watch the normal version initially because it was cheaper, but Ian wanted to watch it in 3D because he hasn’t watched a 3D movie before. I’m glad we watched it in 3D in the end, because it was worth it. Was my first 3D movie in awhile, and wow the 3D glasses have been totally upgraded! He was hoping that we could keep the glasses because of the more expensive ticket price, but we had to return them on our way out. Nerd was sad LOL.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Pixar films and have watched them all. They just keep getting better, like recent goodies Wall-E and Ratatouille have demonstrated. What struck me about UP was the similar pairing of an old man and a young boy with another of my favorite 2009 movies- Gran Torino. In both movies, the old man learns to let someone in, and the young boy grows up and becomes a more mature person.
Some people weren’t that interested in the movie because the protagonist is a grumpy old man. But the movie was really charming and even poignant in its underlying tones. The plot was engaging with a lineup of lovable characters that just grow on you. Carl Fredrickson can take some warming up to like, but I really admire his spirit. He’s lonely but still dignified, but can still find it in himself to do what’s right, just like Walt Kowalski in Gran Torino.
UP to me showed that even when the people you meet in the course of your life may not be what you expected- they might be loud, talkative, flamboyant and even a little irritating at times, but you accept them for who they are because you know that they’re good at heart, and they become lasting fixtures in your life.
I love how the movie showed Ellie and Carl’s life up to the point Ellie passed on. Despite not being very well off, and having to smash their Paradise Falls fund jar when unexpected expenditures come up- they were still happy and appreciated each other’s company. Even though they didn’t reach their planned destination in the end together, I’d wager that Ellie treasured her adventure with Carl even more. As Russell says, “Sometimes, it’s the boring stuff I remember the most.” Perhaps, its the boring moments that truly matter. The journey and dream together is more significant then when you finally reach your destination, I feel. Most importantly, we all learn that we must let go. I also love that their house, through happenstance, really did land where Carl and Ellie envisioned it- overlooking Paradise Falls. I think I teared.
The nature of the film catches me somewhat by surprise because it goes beyond what we normally expect from a cartoon. Touching and sweet, I really didn’t expect to enjoy a cartoon so much after grumbling about having to pay $13 on a weekend 3D movie.
Everyone’s probably met someone like Summer- someone who just wants to have fun, to live for the moment, no strings attached. Someone who wants your attention and affection, but not the commitment. It’s been some time since I’ve watched a film that was as poignant for me as ESOTSM.
Damn sian. Nice Mr Ho sponsored half for me! They sound really good and I hope they last for a long while. Will be a sad day when they expire and I have to search for another pair of earphones.
