Up, up, and Away!!!!

A CLASSIC IN ITS OWN RIGHT....

There are elements to the film UP that I enjoy quite a lot.  A movie enthusiast, who has great appreciation for films such as Citizen Kane, The Little Tramp, and knowledge of the movie The Bicycle Thief, I feel some familiarity to these great classics whenever I watch Up..With these comparisons in mind, it is no surprise that I am willing to watch  Up repeatedly. There is a dynamic between the two character heroes Mr. Frederickson and Russell that reminds me of the aforementioned films. The nostalgia of childhood and realizing one's dream is fulfilled indirectly in Up, while the struggle to survive is noted in more hilarious and imaginative details compared to The Little Tramp and The Bicycle Thief.

The true lesson in this film are those of courage, and embracing life whatever the circumstances fate offers us.  When closing a door in one chapter in one's life, another chapter or book begins to unfurl. It encourages all of us to view life as an adventure. Unlike Citizen Kane, where the main protagonist's ambitions get the better of him, only to regret losing his innocence and reminisce of his little Rosebud, Mr. Frederickson embraces a whole new way of life, however reluctant and "grumpy" he initially started. Instead, he is no longer alone, but gains a life enriched with that of a young boy, a treasure that only keeps growing as he gets older. In addition, Mr. Frederickson gains a new pal in Doug, man's best friend, loyal to the end!

The house is symbolic as one might compare the bike in The Bicycle Thief.  In the latter film, the hero and his son have had their bike stolen. Their survival against poverty is dependent on getting their bike back, only to succumb to stealing another bike in the end. In contrast, unlike the need to gain something back, the  house in which one carries all their memories and hopes as does Mr. Frederickson, adding the burden to the young boy's shoulders, carries the house in the hopes of fulfilling a childhood dream. The energy of the young boy contrasts to Mr. Frederickson's in the beginning but his determination to fulfill Ellie's dream gives him the drive to keep on going...and ultimately LET GO....knowing he must move on with his life...

By letting go, ironically, he fulfills both of their wishes.  

To rate this film, I give this film more helium balloons than my hands can carry