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Pure magic.

July 2, 2009

Pure magic.

Up-1

(Please note: there are no spoilers in this post, that said…)

Yesterday, I saw Up. Now I'm not usually given to make statements of hyperbole—or wait, maybe I am—but I'm just going to say it: it's one of the best movies I've ever seen. Ever. In my entire life.

Now before you weigh this statement, you should know my top five films:

1. The Shawshank Redemption

2. E.T.

3. Silence of the Lambs

4. Forrest Gump

5. Aliens

And, you should know that at the time of seeing the film—yesterday—I was in that special time frame just before Aunt Flo comes a'knockin' and at 43, that basically means the simple act of breathing can send me into an emotional tailspin.

Still, I stand by the statement above: it's one of the best movies I've ever seen.

This is a movie that, until I read a review by a local critic who said simply: everyone on the planet should see this film, I had ZERO desire to see. Who wanted to see a movie about some old curmudgeon?

Um, hello? That would now be ME!

Every minute I sat in that theater, I felt that I was part of something that transcended magical. It was like someone had sprinkled animated pixie dust on my grey matter.

I laughed. I cried. It became a part of me.

Thank you Disney, and Pixar and the people who conjured this story from their ripe and creative imaginations.

Two-thumbs off the charts way, way Up.

Get it? Up?

And if you go, take Kleenex. You will need it.

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Comments

  1. chiara says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:30 am

    this is on my list of must sees. Saving it for vacation when I have babysitters.

    Reply
  2. elise says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:34 am

    it was the best of the best for me. i am glad you enjoyed it too. hard to not though, i imagine….

    Reply
  3. Gayle says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:49 am

    Thanks for the excellent review – I’m planning on taking my girls tomorrow. Now I really can’t wait!

    Reply
  4. Marcia says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:13 am

    I loved it too! I could see it again and probably will or when it comes out on DVD I’ll buy it. It contains so many messages about life.

    Reply
  5. Laura L. says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:25 am

    My husband actually suggested we see UP and I’m so glad he did because we both loved it! Definitely a must-see!!

    Reply
  6. Krys72599 says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:26 am

    Hubby and I went the week after it released.
    I’m so sorry we waited so long!
    It will most definitely be one we buy for ourselves.
    It was an AWESOME movie!!!!

    Reply
  7. ronee.malama says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:28 am

    Up! was amazing. It totally made me cry..even my steadfast I only take my kids to this kinds of movies because my wife makes me…type of guy!
    it is for sure one of my top fives

    Reply
  8. Susan Raihala says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:28 am

    I totally agree. Up is an awesomely wonderful movie. It’s maybe a little intense in places for the very young, though. My six year old took my hand and covered his eyes for part of it.

    My husband, our nine year old, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

    Reply
  9. Edith says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:37 am

    I agree! My whole family loved it! It has comedy, adventure, and is oh-so-sweet! My 10 yr old ds and 14 yr dd both loved it!

    Reply
  10. Becky T. says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:47 am

    You totally summed it “up”!!! I was so shocked at how early in the movie I cried and that I cried again later. I will be 1st in line to buy UP when it comes to DVD.. maybe even in 3D since they WAY over price it at the theater.

    Thanks for the review!! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Annie BW says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:55 am

    I completely agree. The short flashback piece at the beginning was especially masterful. We ALL cried: my 13 yo daughter, 10 yo son, and me. I add my thumbs up to yours.

    Reply
  12. Amy says

    July 2, 2009 at 8:11 am

    Oh my gosh, your review made me well up with tears!! lol I’m going this weekend. 🙂

    Reply
  13. ~M~ says

    July 2, 2009 at 8:13 am

    Oh Cathy isn’t that the best movie!!! I loved it — it was the be—-

    SQUIRREL!

    Reply
  14. simplescrapskathy says

    July 2, 2009 at 8:27 am

    We absolutely loved this movie. We had a “private screening” for a birthday party and we all enjoyed it so much, even my husband, who isn’t really all that big on animated stuff. I agree, though, Kleenex are definitely called for.

    Reply
  15. karla says

    July 2, 2009 at 8:30 am

    weren’t the dogs the BEST part?!?! and that bird, when its telling the old guy to shoo…. i was laughing SOOOOOOOO hard!! that’s how i tell hubby to move now… braaw braaw braaw!! or however you’d spell that!! wink!!

    Reply
  16. Katie N. says

    July 2, 2009 at 8:30 am

    I totally agree with you! I actually saw it twice and I cried both times. I thought I would be ok the second time since I knew the story, but I think it touched me even more. And the dog was perfect! We have a golden retriever and I can’t believe how right on they got Doug.

    Reply
  17. Jenny says

    July 2, 2009 at 8:33 am

    I wholeheartedly agree! I sobbed and laughed, and it was wonderful. Pixar is amazing as always.

    Reply
  18. Sonja Chandler says

    July 2, 2009 at 9:09 am

    Saw it the day it came out. I think it’s a masterpiece. Absolutely amazing!

    Forrest Gump is also in my top 5 list.

    You sucha smart gurl. 🙂

    Reply
  19. Jennifer says

    July 2, 2009 at 9:24 am

    I am so glad I wasn’t the only one that was tearful. This movie is pure magic. It is definitely in the must own category!

    Thanks for ….Squirrel!

    Reply
  20. Christa P. says

    July 2, 2009 at 9:35 am

    We are going Sunday and I’m excited to see it! I’ve heard from several friends how good it was and hopefully my little ones think so too. And PS we have several of the same top 5’s!

    Reply
  21. Launi says

    July 2, 2009 at 9:36 am

    I went to this movie because I was curious and I truly trust Pixar. But seriously, I never expected to cry my head off–several times in the show. What an incredible surprise.

    Reply
  22. Lisa S. says

    July 2, 2009 at 9:38 am

    Just took my 8 year old son this week. He’s like me, sentimental. He almost wanted to leave when the story was getting a little too sad, but we stuck in out and were blown away with the message of the movie. We were able to talk about how the boring parts of our adventurous life ARE pretty special. BTW, my “cousin Flo”, as I refer to that 28th day of the month, usually makes me lose it at Hallmark commericals. Luckily, she was out of town during this movie. I still cried 3 times, but not that uncontrollable, wait 30 minutes before we can leave kind. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    Reply
  23. Dianne Nelson says

    July 2, 2009 at 9:41 am

    I loved it too! See it in 3D if you can. LOVE the new blog layout, by the way…

    Smiles!
    Dianne

    Reply
  24. Deitra Hart says

    July 2, 2009 at 9:47 am

    I am so not a crier at ALL, but even I got a little misty-eyed at his wife’s scrapbook. Later that night I told Jim, “See, isn’t scrapbooking priceless?” to which he replied, “no, I have credit card receipts that say otherwise.” LOL! We both loved it! Oh, and the kids did too, did I mention they were there too?

    Deitra:)

    Reply
  25. Kaylyn B says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:01 am

    We took our son and 8 of his preschool friends to see it for Brayden’s 5th birthday. It was very special to see the girls reaction and the boys reaction. Of course all the girls got the first 5 minutes when there no talking. The boys are laughing away.

    I laughed and cried. It was one of the best movies I have ever seen as well 🙂

    Reply
  26. Kristine S says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:13 am

    I really enjoyed it–love the gift that Ellie left in a scrabook no less.

    Reply
  27. Julie Johnson says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:16 am

    I so agree with you! Loved this movie, it was inspiring, touching, and motivating! Carl reminded me of my Dad and how my kids can change him so dramatically – love that relationship they have. The story reminds me so much of myself, always looking for excitement and adventure and striving to get to that one big dream. It motivated me to realize that my excitement, adventure, and big dream are right here and now between my own 4 walls 😉

    Reply
  28. Ann Grounds says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:24 am

    My mom saw it with my kids and really enjoyed it and she’s in her late 70’s. She did, however, absolutely refused to see it in 3 D! I think the last 3D she saw was in Disneyland and it was Michael Jackson’s show. I want to see it so bad before it leaves the theaters.

    Reply
  29. Kelli says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:26 am

    We went to see it yesterday too. It is so much better know that I know my fav. scrapbooker in the world went and fell in love with it the same day I did!
    Really, it was the best movie ever! I laughed, I cried, I cried, I felt good! I will be first in line to buy it!

    Reply
  30. Steph says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:26 am

    I LOVED this movie. My husband and I both got weepy. This will immediately be added to out Blueray collection when it comes out.

    Reply
  31. Tinka says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I haven’t seen it yet, but EVERYONE I know who has seen this movie has loved it. I’m hoping to get to a theater soon!

    Reply
  32. Kay says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:38 am

    Hi Cathy.

    I’m glad you liked the movie. I haven’t watched an animated film since Lion King!

    I was wondering if you’re going to do a design do-over for June? Just because I think they’re fabulous!

    Thanks!

    Reply
  33. jkhenson says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:45 am

    In total agreement. Wonderful!

    Reply
  34. Staci Miserlian says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:45 am

    Yes, I am with you on “Up”. I also loved that the movie featured a scrapbook in such a pivotal role! Go scrapbooks! Go scrapbooking! I can tear up just remembering it.

    Reply
  35. Connie says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:49 am

    We went to se Up on my son’s 13th birthday. We Loved. Every. Minute. Left the theater not just entertained, but feeling really good about life. Not many movies can do that!

    Reply
  36. hollyd says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:05 am

    I LOVED this movie. It was totally awesome. Best movie I’ve seen in a long time.

    Reply
  37. Sharon T says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:10 am

    Cathy, I totally agree with you. We went to see it with out kids (24 & 19), and my 24 year old son said that UP is one of his alltime favorite movies (he is picky about that list) and how he was so surprised by the theme, plot, etc… He commented on how Pixar always delivers an unexpected treat and this was no exception. I rarely just sat; I laughed a little and cried a lot! It’s one of those that really puts the important things in life right back in perspective.
    🙂 Sharon

    Reply
  38. Melissa Cummings says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:20 am

    I 100 percent agree with you. I cried so much in the first half I couldn’t believe it. And then I laughed and laughed and cried some more (my brother, 16-year-old niece and my kids made such fun of me). Btw, I was there when they filmed much of Forrest Gump. I lived in Savannah at the time and saw many movies made there. FG by far and away the best!

    Reply
  39. Suzette says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:21 am

    OMG–I call her Aunt Flo too! I also LOVED this movie. I saw it with my husband and my son. My husband thought it was the best Disney/Pixar he had seen. My son (10 y o) thought mom was a blubbering idiot! I know you’re a wordsmith, but I’m a math girl and I loved how they told an amazing story with images! Ahhh, perspective!

    Reply
  40. Lara Jane says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:46 am

    I loved Up, too. I’m not even going to start to list the ways. I just loved all of it.

    And yes, I cried.

    Reply
  41. Britiney says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:55 am

    Every time I think about the talking dogs and especially the malfunctioning voice box I crack up. I so want one of those for our new puppy. We loved it too.

    Reply
  42. Mary Mitchell says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:56 am

    We are a family of hot air balloonists and we loved this movie. While not always ballooning accurate……it was adorable, touching, sweet, sentimental and magical. Both my husband and I were sobbing throughout various parts of the movie. Yes…Disney you have once again risen to the top of animated wonder.

    Reply
  43. ScrappyMommy says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    We actually have plans to go see it at the drive in this weekend. Mostly because the drive in is just about the only way to see a movie when you have a seven year old and three year old twins. We’re hoping that the twins will fall asleep during the first movie and with any luck our seven year old during the second movie and then we can bring them home to bed. But I betcha it doesn’t happen like that. Glad to know that you think it is good and funny thing you and I have almost the same list of movies going. The only two that are on your list that aren’t on mine are Silence of the Lambs and Aliens.

    Reply
  44. DaniH says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    This movie touched my heart. It is absolutely precious…

    Reply
  45. Chan D says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    Glad you enjoyed the movie….here’s a bit of home town related news okay not Everett…but ballard…..a house encompassed by LA Fitness and Trader Joe’s in Ballard….Disney did a movie stunt with ballons before the movie opened….here’s the info:

    http://www.myballard.com/2009/05/26/balloons-above-ediths-house-in-apparent-movie-promo/

    Reply
  46. Jennifer M. says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    My 13 year old daughter and I sobbed for the firs 15 minutes of this movie. Then during the last 15 minutes. And I’m pretty sure we sobbed a whole lot more in the middle.

    Reply
  47. Kris Lindsay says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    I agree about the movie, but wish people wouldn’t bring infants and three yr olds to the movies – we had crying and terrified screams thoughout the movie

    Reply
  48. tricia says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:25 pm

    I am in 100% agreement with you. I wasn’t thrilled about going to see it, but when I left I was an emotional wreck — in a good way. I even posted on my Facebook Status that I now have a new all-time favorite movie. Loved it!!!!

    Reply
  49. elsa says

    July 2, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    SCREEEEEECH! For a minute I thought I was on the wrong blog with the new banner and all. Looks like we’ll be making a little trip to the movies this weekend.

    Reply
  50. cindy b. says

    July 2, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    Cathy, this could have been me writing this post. Of course it’s not because, well, I’m writing a comment about YOUR post. 😉 Anyway, I agree with you 100% (maybe not your list of top 5) but the rest of the post. I had ZERO desire to see the movie but my youngest was dying to see it so I took my kiddos and HOLY MACARONI I freakin’ LOVED IT!!! Two thumbs way, way up.

    ps. As far as your top 5 movies…Have you ever seen Dead Poet’s Society? Seriously. That movie is DEFINITELY in my top 5.

    Reply
  51. Joy M. says

    July 2, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    Up was great! One of the best kid films I’ve seen, second only to Finding Nemo, IMO.

    I noticed you liked Silence of the Lambs. My husband worked on that film…he was the bug guy who made all the insect props. We even have a display of some of his models/creations in the living room. That and the egg from the Alien movie poster which he created, too. The things I live with…..

    Reply
  52. Lisa Russo says

    July 2, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    100% agree. The beginning montage had me sobbing, and I was completely unprepared for it!

    Reply
  53. Breeoxd says

    July 2, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    Yeah, I started crying in during the little short BEFORE the movie. Then pretty much throughout the entire rest of the film. And I didnt have any desire to see it either, but my boyfriend and I pretty much just held each other throughout the whole movie- I felt like a big gush ball, Flo- or no flo, I dont think anyone stands a chance against the waterworks in this film. And yet, I felt so HAPPY . Weird.

    Reply
  54. Cheri Vallery says

    July 2, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    I saw Up the first weekend it came out LOVED IT .. so much so that when I went to Disney a couple of weeks later the one and only thing on MY to do list was to get Karl’s autograph and picture .. which i did .. and I even got a kiss 🙂

    Reply
  55. Leanne Overduin says

    July 2, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    Cathy, in regards to your current battle of the pounds. My wish for you…that you lost a pound for everytime you make me laugh. You would be SKINNY in no time at all. Good luck

    Reply
  56. Emily says

    July 2, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    I totally agree. Loved, loved it.

    Reply
  57. Debbie Dow says

    July 2, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    I have to agree, I didn’t want to see this movie, now I have seen it in the regular format and 3D and all I can say is
    SQUIRREL, you gotta love Doug!

    Debbie

    Reply
  58. Jennifer says

    July 2, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Yep totally agree! It is my favorite movie EVER!!

    Reply
  59. Anne says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    I haven’t seen it yet, but I SO want to, mostly because I just find Pixar a mastermind. But my real reason for commenting is: I love Forrest Gump too. It is way up there in my most seen movies right with the Harry Potters and Juno. But definetely the best.

    Reply
  60. Sue Carter says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    I went with my 17 year old son and we both LOVED it. He kept turning away to hide the tears during certain parts. It was just a wonderful movie.

    Squirrel! ( loved the dogs in this too!)

    Reply
  61. Ann K says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    OMGosh YES YES YES! It’s the best! and I have to agree with Katie N up there, Dug, is total golden retriever! I laughed so hard I was crying because that dog is my dog! Every mannerism movement of body, tail, ears, “smile” that’s my dog, pure golden. Makes me laugh everytime I watch the “meet Dug” video on youtube.

    Reply
  62. EmmaJ says

    July 2, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    I went and saw it today and LOVED IT! So glad you did too!

    Reply
  63. Karen says

    July 2, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    This is now one of my most absolute favorite movies too! I laughed, I cried…it’s a beautiful movie! And I’m so ready to see it again!

    Reply
  64. Donna says

    July 2, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    Oohhhhh…. this is one of my ABSOLUTE favorites too. I thought it was magic.’
    I can’t wait to see it again

    Reply
  65. Bernadette says

    July 2, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    If that list is in rank order, I’m buying my tickets for a matinee showing tomorrow morning. who needs to do house hunting when UP is better than Shawshank Redemption (THAT is saying a lot). But I actually did want to see it before (LOVE Pixar and it has a cute little boyscout in it…what’s not to love?)

    Sold.

    Reply
  66. Cindy Blevins says

    July 2, 2009 at 9:55 pm

    I took my kids (16 and 14)to see UP and we all LOVED it.. it was the BEST .. so unexpected.. LOVED IT! Went out on a limb to tell everyone it is now in our top 5 definately. You have good taste, Shawshank Redemption is my #1 also. Cindy B.

    Reply
  67. Leslie says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    Hey Cathy, I loved the movie, too. I’m a veterinarian and one of my favorite parts was the “cone of shame”. It makes me laugh actually right now thinking about it. I loved the dogs’ translator-collar-thingies, too. I just really enjoyed the whole movie.

    Reply
  68. Cynthia says

    July 2, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    I totally agree! Really really wonderful film. And it even has scrapbooking! 😉
    Did you see it w/ your family? Because even my husband and son were saying their eyes were tearing up in parts. *sigh* Now I can’t wait to buy it when it comes out on DVD!

    Reply
  69. Shelly says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    i’m two years older than you and cried through most of it…my 9 year old daughter even cried – what can i say, we have elderly grandparents and it hit a little too close to home…that and when you are ‘mid life’ you do feel like life has passed you by a little bit 🙁

    Reply
  70. Shaquanna says

    July 2, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    I just got back from seeing this movie, LOVED it!

    Reply
  71. Karen Greenfield says

    July 3, 2009 at 12:19 am

    My two kids (20 and 24)and I have taken to replying to statements we don’t like (from the other 2) in the bird language: put hands up near face and flap while saying oodleoodleoooooo, etc…. cracks us all up and dispels tension.

    Reply
  72. Elizabeth Williams says

    July 3, 2009 at 1:20 am

    2 of my sons have seen it-ages 35 and 25. They both cried. They also think it is definitely the best movie of the year and should get an Oscar as such not just animated. Important to note-they are “super-hero” types. I stood in line at midnight with them to see Batman, Star Wars, etc. I haven’t gone because I just don’t want to cry right now.

    Reply
  73. Stefie Tidwell says

    July 3, 2009 at 1:39 am

    I haven’t seen Up yet but I had to tell you that Shawshank Redemption is my favorite too :)- Stefie

    Reply
  74. june says

    July 3, 2009 at 2:13 am

    We just saw it too. And every time I think of the movie, I think “Squirrel!”

    Reply
  75. Deena says

    July 3, 2009 at 2:20 am

    Let’s get this out of the way first. I HATE ANIMATION. I greatly dislike kids’ movies. However, I am a middle school teacher, and I had to chaperone a field trip to see this movie.

    I loved it. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It was fabulous. I don’t know anyone who saw it and says it was overhyped.

    Just plain awesome.

    Reply
  76. Jane Swanson says

    July 3, 2009 at 10:28 am

    I loved this movie too! Especially the beginning. . .

    Reply
  77. Jane says

    July 3, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    I love to see so many people feeling the same way. I really felt like I was in a magical place and the messages were superb and the animation … breathtaking.

    Reply
  78. Valerie says

    July 3, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    I saw this 2 days ago and cried like a big baby. I had to conceal my weeping from my kids and nephew. I told them my nose was running when they overheard me sniffling.
    Brilliant film…I can’t wait to see it without those pesky kids!

    Reply
  79. Jody says

    July 3, 2009 at 9:50 pm

    I begged/pleaded/cajoled the hubby to take me and our 2 younger dds to see this on your recommendation.
    Just so you know, I was whooping and then weeping louder than anyone else in the theater.
    Loved it so!
    Thanks!

    Reply
  80. Italian Rocket says

    July 5, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    Saw it, loved it. Pixar can do no wrong.

    Reply
  81. Michelle says

    July 6, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    we all enjoyed “Up” as well; interesting that two of my top three movies are on your list as well: the Shawshank Redemption and E.T. My other that is not on your list is Field of Dreams. If you loved Silence of the Lambs, have you read Hannibal?

    Reply
  82. Mona says

    July 6, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    LOVE UP!!! I cried and laughed and cried some more. Hey – it had a scrapbook in it – you knew it was going to be a great movie!!! And I tell my children at least twice a day that I am going to make them wear the “cone of shame”!! lol

    Reply
  83. Joy says

    July 7, 2009 at 9:44 am

    I had the same reaction. Had no desire or inclination to see this movie. Happened to end up there with a bunch of my teenage daughter’s friends as I provided chaperone services. Took my 11 yr old son along for company. Was expecting to likely end up napping.

    Instead? I cried 4 separate times. Sobbed even. Best Disney movie ever…tops even Finding Nemo & Beauty & the Beast for my part.

    I cannot wait for the DVD to be released.

    Reply
  84. Bonnie Hoover says

    July 8, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    I loved it too! Saw it with my teenage son who laughed at me when I cried. Don’t care, it was great!

    Reply
  85. scrappysue says

    July 10, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    no romcoms in your top five then?

    Reply

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