In the first 15 minutes we are reminded of growing old, death, and losing the ones we love. For the rest of the movie we have a house floating on balloons travelling to South America, and talking dogs that fly airplanes, including one who wants someone to be his master and prisoner at the same time.
I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the movie, it's just those are the two words that most echo my feelings about it.
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Agree it was bizarre although wouldn't have it down as depressing.
Its certainly very sad at the start of the film when Carl loses Ellie and their earlier disappointment of not being able to have children. However its also extremely moving and shows how much they loved each other through the good times and and bad.
After losing Ellie, Carl also loses hope but Russell gives him something to live for.
The talking dogs, floating house, 100 year old explorer, etc are all very strange and most will shed a tear or two at the start, but I still found it an uplifting film.
I stumbled across it on the TV so had no expectations but thought it was a real gem that could be enjoyed by people of all ages. Has since been added to my DVD collection!!!
The first 15 minutes put me on a bit of a downer for the rest of the movie. Not even talking dogs could bring me to my senses, though they were more weird and eventually annoying than anything, so they didn't quite have the desired effect.
There were some nice moments in there and some humorous scenes, but ultimately I don't feel it hit all the right notes the way other Pixar films do. Someone else on this board made the point that the talking dogs felt out out of place compared to the more emotional context that came before, and I agree.
I think you should get help if the first 15 minutes derailed you that hard... Seriously.
shareYeah, I watched it once and rather enjoyed it...but haven't watched it since, mainly because of the opening being, as you call it, too much of a downer.
shareAgree it was bizarreYeah, like toys that come to life when the kid leaves the room, like people fly over the rainbow in a tornado and return in a hot air balloon, like fish get lost going to school and their dad swims around looking for them, like a princess get cursed by an evil witch, like a man is cursed to become ugly and has to be redeemed by love, like a little girl drops down a hole and meets a talking/disappearing cat and the queen plays croquet with flamingos...it's called fantasy. Geez! share
One of the strengths of this film is the theme of old age and grief, which is rarely visited in mainstream cinema and most especially American films. Carl's grief for Ellie is so poignant and brilliantly created. Similarly Russel grieves the loss of his dad, Kevin his babies and Muntz his reputation. It's understandable that a film so focused on grief could feel depressing.
Fatima had a fetish for a wiggle in her scootshare
My two words would be amazing and Enticingg
As an adult, was not expecting to like a kids film but I wasn't disappointed, it was gripping, silly (in a good way) , excellent animation okay the talking dogs was stupid but no film is perfect.
10 out of 10 and I say was more enjoy than shawshank re. which is ment to be the best film of all time.
Actualy didn't really like the villian either but russell was cool and carl reminded me of myself where we hang to the past and become grumpy old men.
For Christ's sake, the guy is towing his home and memories around with him, and they do nothing but slow him down at getting his ultimate goal.
He suffers the human condition. The movie is about "letting go".
Watch the whale scene in Finding Nemo. Dorrie says "It's time to let go!"
Open your eyes. There's a story being told that your criticism isn't allowing you to see.
I watched this movie for the first time last night and it was not at all what I expected it to be. I found it depressing and bizarre too. Definitely not one of my favorite Pixar movies.
sharesweet and heartwarming would be the words i would use.
shareI could see the depressing part at the beginning of the movie.
but finally Carl comes to grips with his loss..
and hope comes in...
and new love and friendship comes in.
I think uplifting is the word I would use.
The beginning is depressing. It's supposed to be, so you understand the way Carl is then, bitter, sad. But the movie is actually moving and uplifting. It's about letting go of the past, sadness, baggage, and living in the present. The scene where (spoilers) let's go of the house is just beautiful.
One of my very favourite animated movies for sure, 10/10.
PS: loved the talking dogs as well.
"The Love you take is equal to the Love you make" The Beatles.
The "depressing" part was intentional, so the audience could feel Carl's' loss, loneliness, and sorrow -- AND understand Carl's feeling that he and Ellie never had a chance to have an adventure together.
The audience needs to understand Carl's state of mind so the payoff at the end (Car's revelation after reading Ellie's note) has a bigger effect.