UP Got Me Down
I'm probably the last person in the world to have seen UP, the Disney blockbuster from last year. Everyone, and I mean, everyone has been urging me to see this movie.
The story is about Carl Fredrickson, an elderly man who somehow manages to fly his house to South America as a promise to his late wife, and also to evade a court order that will put him in a retirement home. As he's making his getaway, he accidentally picks up a young stowaway, and together they encounter a villain with a huge pack of dogs who can not only talk through ingenious translation collars, but can also cook. (A dog that can cook! That's a dream come true for me.)
I know everyone wanted me to see this movie because of the talking dogs, and in any other case that would have hooked me.
But, I have to tell you it depressed both Greg and me very much.
We loved the characterizations of the dogs. Whoever wrote them definitely knew the canine perspective.
From the sudden (and constant) cries of "Squirrel!" where every dog head snaps in unison, to the 'Cone of Shame', the plastic cone put on dogs to keep them from chewing--but in this instance is used as punishment. The dog references were spot on each time.
But it was the very short but memorable lead up at the beginning of the movie where we meet young Carl and Ellie (his wife) that really upset us. The clip is below.
As Greg and I watched it, we'd glance over at each other, uncomfortably aware that this was our story too. We aren't as old as Carl and Ellie, but we'd been together a long time, childless, still enjoying our 'adventures'.
When Ellie dies, we felt Carl's suffering as keenly as if it happened to us. Although we liked the story, it was just too sad thereafter to enjoy it. I seriously doubt we'll ever watch it again.
Kids will love this film, as will parents, but I think it hits too close to home when you're talking about losing the love of your life and continuing on without him/her.
We both liked the movie, and the message was a good one, but I am a little sorry we saw it.
Did you see UP? What did you think?
Comments
Yes, the quick life overview at the beginning hit close to home for me, too. Not just the trying to go on after one of us was gone but also the realization of time slipping away. All the things I/we had planned to do but haven't gotten around to yet. And for some it is too late.
But I will admit I was able to get caught up in what came next and enjoyed the rest of the movie very much. The fact that we saw it with children probably made the difference.
I cry like a baby in those first 15 minutes EVERY TIME. But I think it has a wonderful way of coveying his motivation for going on that adventure.
I don't think kids would get that... and maybe folks who haven't been married. But I thought it was a terribly sad movie. A good movie, but not a happy one.
Except for Dug. *G*
Ref: Disney
LOL. I think killing off the wife and/or parents is a prerequisite for them.
But I agree, seeing time slip away is what hit home.
Joanne: My dogs barely sweep the floor. I can't expect them to cook too. :)
Ted: LOVED Monsters, Inc. I think that was one of their best ones.
Like when Karl and Ellie are climbing up the hill when they're old, and Ellie stumbles a second time. He runs back down, and his hat flies off.
The fear he felt was displayed so subtly.
But yes, i cried like a baby after the beginning. My mom gave me crap because "ellie lived a full life" so i had to ecplain to her that i wasn't crying for ellie, i was crying for karl
Ref:...i was crying for karl
That's exactly right. It's the one left behind who's hurting.
Well, you're right on all counts, but I'd still argue with the chef. And if he knows what's good for him, he better not show me those teeth. :)
Where this movie excels is in the subtle details. Very Disney right down to the smudged glue on the scrapbook.
Now, I don't think I'd ever seek it out. Too many of my friends are losing spouses. [We're just at that "golden" age.]
I'm sure the movie itself is stunning and children will love it, but it's not for me.
@Ellie
Ref: losing spouses
You're reflecting my sentiments as well. A friend of mine once said when you get into your forties, buy yourself a nice black suit because soon you'll be burying some of your friends.
Last year we buried him. He was only 52.
But you know, the rest of the movie didn't wow me so much. A little TOO much over the top, if you know what I mean.
I didn't used to be so fussy about HEAs, but the older I get, the more I like to see them.
That said, I like hero or heroine to work for their happy endings.
I never thought about it until you mentioned it. An interesting aspect of getting older.
My daughters and husband- along with the rest of my Ohana has seen it when it first came out. Me, I was reading.
I agree though. It was very sad. I am not sure if my little ones understood the entire content but they did enjoy UP. In fact, it seems children movies are more profound then adult movies. I certainly cry more.
=)Well, at least you are not among the hold out any more and neither am I. Now I have to see a few other movies my hubby says is a MUST see but I much rather read a book.
Ref: Let's face it, no one lives forever, but in this movie the old man got to see his goal accomplished, ...
Hmm...I disagree a bit. I don't think most people get that 'Disney' happy ending in real life.
The elderly couples I know carry on bravely, take on new challenges, meet new people, but the lights in their souls are gone. I've seen it happen too many times which leads me to believe that Disney's happy ending is more fairy tale than fact.
That's how life rolls.
I wouldn't have felt this way 25 years ago.
It was okay, but some parts hit too close to home.