Taking me higher

Pixar took a risk with a family movie with a crotchety old man for the hero. Then again, if any studio can pull it off, Pixar’s the one.

“Up,” its latest feature film, takes a second step outside of its usual fare. That is, the main characters are humans, which the company has done only once before with 2004’s “The Incredibles.”

In this story the human is Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner). The movie introduces us to his life through a beautifully silent montage. He meets his soulmate, Ellie, as a child, they marry, build a life and grow old together. Naturally (another novelty Pixar isn’t afraid to bring to the Disney banner) Ellie succumbs to old age, leaving Carl no choice but to become a grumpy old man.

This is where the plot picks up. In his golden years, Carl seems to hate everyone. He misses his wife and regrets that they opted for a normal life rather than taking on the wild adventures they dreamed of as children.

But as the Golden Agers in Talladega will tell you, senior citizenship only makes you stronger. When time, by which I mean the courts, decides it’s time for Carl to pack it in for the retirement home, he has different plans. He turns his house into a makeshift blimp with thousands of balloons and sets sail for South America to find the paradise he and Ellie always dreamed off.

Of course, no world trek on a floating house is complete without a snag. To keep things interesting, the writers threw in several. This grumpy (and he has good reasons) old-timer has to deal with a rambunctious young stowaway named Russell (Jordan Nagai), rough terrains, wild animals, an army of talking dogs and Carl’s childhood adventure hero Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer). The veteran explorer is hell-bent on capturing the odd couple’s equally odd tagalong bird. Between all this he still has to find time to bicker, toil and almost plummet to his death in the name of exploration and returning the blindingly jaunty adolescent home. Sure beats bingo night at the home.

This may be premature, but it’s hard to think of another film this summer that will make you feel better than this one does. If it means more movie viewings, I’ll definitely keep you updated on that. In the meantime, this is not one to miss.

This is a movie for anyone who loves adventure. The journey is fun and the fellows are funny. The mix of high-flying antics and wilderness scenes make for vibrant cinematography. Some of those backgrounds really give a sense of awe, especially when you get a load of the non-typical adventures trying to navigate them. Carl’s not the only standout here. How refreshing is it to see a cartoon kid like an actual kid?

It’s the overall feeling of delight that “Up” delivers that puts it above not only the other family films out there, but pretty much any movie an adult will see this summer. Everyone in it is likeable and understandable, even the villain. Plus who wouldn’t want to take this kind of journey whether you’re Carl’s age or Russell’s? Of course, the pure hilarity on the screen doesn’t hurt either. Try to keep a straight face when the Alpha dog starts talking. I dare you.

“Up” avoids preaching but lets you learn life lessons along with Carl. He may be a carton, but you believe him. Of course, this is largely in part to Ed Asner’s mastery of the grouchy old voice. He’s a character who needs a second start in life, and it’s a treat to see it. He represents how more years under the belt means having more things to learn to let go of.