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.
i went with 4year old and she was terrified at some parts especially with the dogs. i felt a bit guilty taking her to see it! i wasn't expecting the dark depressing bit either it was good but not for young kids xxx
Posted by: amy | October 24, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Thanks for the review, I was looking forward to seeing it this break. Oh, well, guess it's an art museum instead...
Posted by: A Modern Mother | October 24, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Dudelet might enjoy it - he copes with Doctor Who and the Studio Ghibli films happily enough. I wasn't quite quick enough with the spoiler but I bet its fairly clearly telegraphed.
Posted by: dadwhowrites | October 24, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Amy, I felt exactly the same as you but thought it would be good for older kids who understand all the issues raised in the film.
A Modern Mother, if your kids are alittle older or maybe less sensitive than IJ (who can be very over-sensitive) then don't let them miss out.
Dadwhowrites, I've made my spoiler alert bigger as a result of your comment although it won't really ruin the film in anyway. If Dudelet likes Doctor Who (and Sarah Jane Adventures) then you'll have no problem with this film.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | October 24, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Thank you for that. I was going to take my daughter, but I don't think it sounds suitable. I'll look out for a different film instead.
Posted by: Working Mum | October 24, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Evan and I went to see it on wednesday. We left half way through as he couldn't cope with the scary dogs.
I was expecting to leave at some point before the end however, he hasn't got the attention span yet to sit through a whole film anyway.
He said he enjoyed it, apart from the dogs and the storm. But you are right, it's a film for older kids and adults with some interesting themes. I'm intending on renting it on DVD when it comes out.
Did you see the short before it? the one with the storks? It was brilliant I thought.
As for Dad Who Writes - dudelet sat through Coraline, so he'll have no bother at all.
Posted by: Dan | October 25, 2009 at 07:54 AM
Little S has been wanting to watch this for ages...maybe we'll give it a miss, don't want to scare him!
Posted by: clareybabble | October 25, 2009 at 08:42 PM
Working Mum, I read your recent blog post (thanks for the mention by the way) and I think Ice Age 3 would be a great choice. We watched it in 3D and loved it. Definitely not scary!
Dan, I thought we would be walking out half way through and was actually surprised that IJ stayed for the whole film. I'm glad to hear you agree it's a film for older kids. I was starting to wonder maybe if IJ was just over-sensitive.
Clareybabble, I think it would be fine for a nine year old but under that I don't think it's the best choice and the comments here seem to agree with that.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | October 25, 2009 at 09:47 PM