Movie Review: Pixar’s Up

I wrote recently I was debating seeing the latest Pixar film in theaters. It was a tough call because I didn’t have anyone to see it with. Well, my extended family chose to see it this past weekend, and me and my wife were invited.

So I saw Up, and was it worth it? Yes. What makes Up so special? It exemplifies great movie artistic craftsmanship and Christian values. Christian? Real Christian values? Yes.

Christian values as I’ve addressed before, are absolutes that apply to the whole world. Storytelling — the movies — do not escape from this. Either a movie is told with a Christian worldview, perspective that is consistent with the Bible, or it is a worldview that opposes Scripture that is prevalent in the story. Without spoiling any of the story for you, I will just again state that the values in Up are from a Judeo-Christian ethic.

This escapes people since the story of Up includes a wild adventure and fanciful fictitious creatures and talking dogs.  Is there any moral redeeming value to the imaginative world in Up? Yes; then there is consistency with a Biblical worldview. What about outlandish action? Doesn’t the fun and adventure stifle any significant value of spiritual relevance? Won’t moviegoers just absorb the story for the sheer entertainment value, and not be effected by the morals to the story? I think if you believe so, you are mistaken.

Storytelling is a powerful tool that reaches the heart of mankind. People are moved by experiences, and given a sophisticated story to be an example of real-world truths, people feel as though they have experienced the story and values for themselves. A sophisticated story like Up gives the watcher an appreciation for Christian values whether they realize it or not. You don’t have to be given a sermon or a Bible study to understand morality and absolutes to the human heart.

A story like Up’s imparts truths dictated by the ethical code of God. Consistent with the image of our Creator, man perceives right and wrong. This is why a diverse audience can watch a movie like Up and mostly come away in agreement of what was good and evil in the story. Truth is written on the heart of man by his Maker.

Does this matter? Absolutely. Pixar is one of the industry’s top leaders in family-friendly entertainment. The more they succeed at propagating Christian values, the more people buying watching, and immersing their children in the stories offers some support in the right direction. Ideals influence personality; ultimately forming the values of the person.

In comparison to the other Pixar movies, I’d have to say Up is one of the finest. I am a huge fan of most of their films — with the exception of Bug’s Life. For my top three, in relation to “all around best,” I think my line up is: WALL•E, Monsters Inc., Up. I give Up 3.5 out of 4 stars. It’s very original, clean, thought-provoking, upbeat, and appealing.

I hope Christians will support the movie whole-heartedly. You are sure to be encouraged, entertained, and I trust supporting the efforts of the professional artists at Pixar to make more the likes of Up.