UP

watch the trailer of the movie. Good listening comprehension exercise. click here.

FEELING down or just tied down? Then the only way is Up.

The latest offering from animation goldmine Pixar is not only the best kids movie of the year but one of best movies of 2009.

I've just seen Up in 3D - it beats the 2D version hands down - and it is a wonderful piece of escapism that might finally convince the Academy to see past their prejudice against "cartoons" and give Pixar their first Best Picture Oscar nomination.

Up tells the story of Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), a man who dreamed of going on an adventure to Paradise Falls in South America with his beloved wife Ellie.


But every time the couple get close to filling a money jar to save for the trip, they have to smash it to pay for some kind of repair.

It's a sequence that adults will understand only too well.

Then, sadly, it is too late because Ellie passes away.


That certainly brought a tear to The Sneak's eye. It might sound a touch serious, yet it is necessary to bring the tone down so that you can feel the full force of an emotional uplift.

And that is what happens next in one of the most moving scenes committed to celluloid, when Carl's house floats into the sky with the aid of hundreds of balloons.

That, though, is just the beginning. A young explorer called Russell is on Carl's porch when the house rises and joins the incredible journey, which is packed with cliffhanging scenes, colourful creatures, tender moments and big laughs.

So your critic is going to say what he says about every Pixar movie - there is something for everybody.

And if you think the hype about Up, which has taken £180million at the US box office, is a load of hot air then you are going to miss out on something very special.

Best Line: The last message from Carl's wife Ellie is "Thanks for the adventure. Now go have one of your own."

Best character: Carl is grumpier than Victor Meldrew.

Family rating: Fun from five to 105.

Bum numbness: You just won't want to get up.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/film/2674631/The-Sneak-gives-hisverdict-on-latest-Pixar-film-Up.