DREAMS DON’T DIE AND SO AS MEMORIES J: PIXAR’S UP 2009 Movie Review

Isn’t it amazing how inspirations and memories work that even when they’re gone, the spell still manages to make our dreams come true? Well, that’s the best realization I got after watching Pixar’s cutest yet very inspring animated movie of the year. Most of us might think that it’s a kiddie flick. However, it gives a very deep realization that even people who remained kid and young-at-heart can relate to.

Here’s a brief summary of the film. Carl and Ellie Fredricksen were lovely couples. They both share the same interest in explorations and adventures just like their idol, Charles Muntz. Carl is a toy balloon vendor while Ellie is a zoo keeper. Ellie has long been dreaming to move her house to Paradise Falls in South America. They grew old together until one day when they finally are able to move the house, Ellie died of old age.

Carl was left with nothing but the house which caused him to missed Ellie so bad. Few years passed, Carl was asked to move somewhere but he refused. He tied thousands of balloons to their house and he flew with it together with the cute little boy Russell who is a Wilderness Explorer who needs to earn his final merit badge for “Assisting the Elderly”.

Then, the two of them found themselves near Paradise falls. As they walk to reach their destination, they’ve found Kevin, a colorful tropical female bird and Dug, a dog with a collar that lets him speak. Dug’s owner is Muntz who will find a large colorful tropical bird species like that of Kevin to bring back his honor for not giving the real evidences. Carl saved Kevin as well as Dug and Russel from Muntz and his villain dogs. Muntz tried to burn the the house of Carl. They all fought each other bringing with them their own concerns and intentions. Then finally Muntz fell down while Carl’s house also fell on the clouds. That’s the hardest yet very fulfilling possession he ever had to let go. Afterwhich, they all went back to their normal lives. Russell’s dad didn’t want to put the final badge. Carl gave Russelle the grape soda badge that Ellie showed him when they first met. The story ended with Carl being active in community service and their house was now situated exactly where the coupled wanted it.

There are details in our lives that are very much important. It can be an unforgetable person, a sentimental memorabilia, a sacred place, special date, etc. And what’s great is that even when theye’re gone, the power to make us move and fulfill what has been uncosciously neglected and unattained seem to be strengthened by the thought of it being gone. It may be ironic but it is true for most of us, really.

There is also no difference in keeping and making true of promises and pledges. I really love the lesson of keeping promises no matter what. Carl never gave up in fulfilling the dream of his wife, Ellie. I think it wasn’t to prove anything to anyone but just to make Ellie very happy and satisfied even when she’s gone. Promises are not meant to be broken, whether we love or we don’t love the people we make promises with.

Let me just mention the similarities I’ve seen in Carl and Ellie Fredricksen with that of late Ninoy and Cory Aquino. When Ninoy was assassined, Cory also didn’t just shut up but rather continued the principles her late husband is fighting for. Just like Carl, when Ellie died, he didn’t cease in achieving her wife’s ambitions. What are loved ones for right? We’re here for each one, to complement one another and complete each others’ life.

Life is too short. Aim high! Dream on! Always aim to be “UP” there. Let’s all try our best to keep promises and continue to be inspired by the people around us whether they’re dead or alive, good or bad and true friends or not.