From the short in front of this film to the photo-album ending I really have nothing bad to say about this movie. Much like Pixar's other projects, this movie completely fulfills the differing demographics' desires for an animated comedy. On the one hand, there's the crotchety yet endearing old dude who provides the (major) funny for the adults, and then you have the vibrant and curious Cub Scout and somewhat bewildered dog for the kids.
I loved the sort of time-lapse journey through Carl's life previous to his becoming a stubborn and grumpy old timer. Even though it was quick, I teared up at the end of the montage, which so beautifully summed up Carl and Ellie's relationship. I think it also created a good realism base for the rest of the highly imaginative and fantastical journey. Much like probably everyone in the theatre, over time, one thing or another cropped up to put their dreams on hold, yet despite that, they were never unhappy because they were together. Because of that, you suddenly find yourself feeling a great bond with Carl, because you feel his loneliness and his desire to honor his word to his wife, even if she can't be there to see it.
The journey to Paradise Falls is fantastic and the growing relationship between Russell and Carl is just so damn cute, you can't help but want to hang out both these characters. I particularly loved that even once he figured out that she was a mom, Russell still called the so called "bird of paradise," Kevin. It's small touches like that which pushed this movie from your average animated fare to the next level.
Carl once again finding someone to care about is moving, as is the moment when he realizes that Ellie considered their wonderful life together her adventure. I remember saying to myself "open it" in the theatre because I just had a feeling that Ellie wouldn't have left those pages blank all her life. Then there's the end with the "Ellie badge" and the corner ice cream shop, and really, I'm sure some people thought that ending was too-pretty-with-a bow-on-top, but I loved it. Watching a character like Carl lose his heart and then, through a wondrous adventure, find a reason to live again was touching and uplifting. I was just SO happy leaving this film, and truthfully, there is nothing I would change about it.
Plummer was fantastic as the outcast explorer/adventurer, Charles Muntz, Alpha the master dog was quite funny, even without the high-pitched voice, and Dug, Dug was just a great dog.
I'm not saying this movie is perfect, I'm sure plenty of people had little annoyances about it, but I am saying that it was perfect to me. If you don't want to take the time to see a silly little animated movie, please reconsider and see this one. I guarantee your spirit will be lifted absolutely.
This film is completely in-keeping with the traditions of Disney Pixar, beautiful, creative, funny, liberating and above all, triumphant.
