en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/355788 Comments by ajkartman http:/www.slashfilm.com/2009/05/29/pixars-up-what-did-you-think/#IDComment22946843 I cannot applaud Pixar enough for creating another fantastic film. This even manages to be a fantastic film set in our world for once. I went in with high expectations due to the critical acclaim, and Up did not let me down. Up succeeds for a couple of reasons. First Pixar continues to leapfrog its past artistic achievements to always create environments that look better and better. Some of the shots in the film look realistic enough that they could hit you in the face (that also is due to the 3D). Up also addresses the heaviest themes of any Pixar film. It isn't just about life, and living life as much as one can before death, but it is about the reasons why we should live life. The main theme within Up is letting go of a deceased loved one. Not many films can deal with this in a way that it is still very enjoyable. There is also a father-son theme that makes this Pixar's heaviest film yet. The emotional impact of all these ideas create a film that makes grown men cry. Pete Doctor, the director of the film, is able to pull the viewers' heartstrings whenever he wants, because each of the themes is so universal to modern society. It almost becomes a gimmick itself because Pixar has been able to do this so well in the past. The characters are brilliant in Up. Carl plays the perfect mistakenly grouchy old man. Russell is hysterical as an awed boy scout who follows a predictable arc, but he remains entertaining. The best characters don't even appear until about a third of the way into the film: Dug the dog and Kevin the bird, are hysterical every time they appear. The music is always the key to an amazing movie, and Michael Giacchino delivers a perfect score for the film. It captures the essence of the times that the film encompasses. It is a score that characterizes Carl incredibly through his golden days through is elderly years. Up is an excellent film, but several setbacks glare through the celluloid. First, Up is a tad too ambitious mainly because it tries to be a few types of films. The mix between adventure, coming of age, and growing old is too much to fit in this film. It leaves some of the impact out of the film, but it also unburdens some of the emotion, which is necessary for this film to not be overly saddening. Second, Up is riddled with several of the Pixar clichés. Maybe I'm the only one that this bothers, but Pixar needs to find a way to start a film differently. For the third film out of the last 5, the film opens with a newsreel, the same way that "Ratatouille" and "The Incredibles" open. Also the film has a musical montage that is too similar to other Pixar features such as "Wall-E" and "Toy Story 2." These elements are what puts the plot into motion, and they seem to be a little cliché for Pixar. As for the final aspect of the presentation, this needs to be seen in 3D. The reason is simple: it further enhances this environment to make it seem much more lifelike. For once, 3D isn't being used as a gimmick, the way that it should be. Splurge, and shell out the extra few dollars to be drawn into a colorful adventure that is Pixar's Up. Enjoy this captivating story for all ages, and Pixar proves in this film the most, that its movies are not intended for children at all, but for the entire population. Mon, 1 Jun 2009 02:23:50 +0000 http:/www.slashfilm.com/2009/05/29/pixars-up-what-did-you-think/#IDComment22946843 http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/05/03/film-visits-the-set-of-terminator-salvation/#IDComment20689678 I love the video blogs. In the future maybe incorporate pictures and trailer video into the video to highlight your points, and make it a little more complex than a podcast with talking heads. You guys have the coolest job in the business next to making the films. I wish the studios would change and allow for you guys to hype up films much much earlier too. Mon, 4 May 2009 23:00:17 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/05/03/film-visits-the-set-of-terminator-salvation/#IDComment20689678 http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/04/01/video-blog-summer-movie-preview-part-4-august-2009/#IDComment17999073 A LOST videoblog would be fun but it kind of is overdone in podcasts I have heard. I would enjoy a general TV videoblog covering shows like Chuck, LOST, and maybe upcoming shows like The Pacific, and past shows like The Wire. August is great for Inglourious Basterds. Nobody can write like Tarantino, and his ability to direct is impeccable. Also, putting Brad Pitt in the leading role makes it all the better. Don't know how seriously I will be able to take BJ Novack and Mike Myers though. Thu, 2 Apr 2009 02:44:48 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/04/01/video-blog-summer-movie-preview-part-4-august-2009/#IDComment17999073 http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/03/16/alex-proyas-will-answer-questions-from-film-readers/#IDComment17094543 Mr. Proyas, What motivates you to keep making movies everyday, when studios continue to sign off two bit remakes to the first bidder? How much competition do you face when a executive producer is looking for a director, or do you get the first chance to make the movies you want to make? What do you consider to be the turning point in your career? (The film or memory that you have that you look back and say "I'm a Hollywood Director") Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:33:33 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/03/16/alex-proyas-will-answer-questions-from-film-readers/#IDComment17094543