7) Up
As I pointed out in the gallery description, most of the movies I enjoyed in 2009 took great risks at major studios by telling compelling, honest stories instead of immediately going for what would be acceptable or marketable. It still floors me to think how Pete Docter and Bob Peterson (co-directors) ever convinced Disney to allow them to create an opening sequence of a children's film that, in it's first 15-20 minutes, details the slow and steady decline of a couple's dream, until one of them is left widowed, old, and incredibly angry at a world that's denied him his childhood dreams.
No, seriously. The opening sequence of Up (which strangely resembles the opening to Pixar's previous work, Wall-E), is almost entirely devoid of any sort of dialogue and is incredibly, incredibly, INCREDIBLY DEPRESSING. And this is a children's movie!
And it's exactly why I love Up so much. This movie could have easily been changed before release or been panned by the general public. Kudos for taking risks and even more kudos for making a movie that's entertaining, hilarious, and intelligent.
It's beautiful, poetic, and worth you time. I can't wait to see what Pixar releases next!
No, seriously. The opening sequence of Up (which strangely resembles the opening to Pixar's previous work, Wall-E), is almost entirely devoid of any sort of dialogue and is incredibly, incredibly, INCREDIBLY DEPRESSING. And this is a children's movie!
And it's exactly why I love Up so much. This movie could have easily been changed before release or been panned by the general public. Kudos for taking risks and even more kudos for making a movie that's entertaining, hilarious, and intelligent.
It's beautiful, poetic, and worth you time. I can't wait to see what Pixar releases next!
When I saw it in theaters a lot of kids were really restless, until the fight scene. It just goes to show that just because it's Pixar, it doesn't mean it's a kids' movie. But that doesn't mean it's not brilliant.