On a dull, grey day we headed off to the cinema to watch a film that turned out to be equally grey. Disney/Pixar's new film 'Up' is billed as a comedy adventure but we found little amusing about it and the story line was rather heavy and baffling for a six-year-old.
Having not read anything about the film in advance (my mistake) I was expecting a feel-good holiday film for half-term and brilliant animation.
The animation didn't let us down, it was outstanding, just as you would expect, and the 3D-effects added to that.
However, we weren't expecting violent dogs, rifles, dart guns, a sword fight and the fact that *SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT* the villain falls to his death in the end.
My mistake again, I should have read the parents guide for the film and taken into account that it has a PG rating. It was simply too old for a six-year-old who, at times, was clinging my arm and trying not to look at the screen.
The basic plot, taken directly from the IMDb website is as follows: By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn't alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.
The film was basically the story of a 78-year-old man who never experienced what he wanted most and, after losing his wife, set off on an adventure rather than going into a retirement home.
I found it moving in parts and rather dark and depressing in others. It is without doubt a film for older children, most of it went over the head of a six-year-old. Not the best film for a grey day, but outstanding animation nevertheless and the 3D glasses meant I could close my eyes and have a quick nap without anyone noticing.
