Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Up
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 260 parent reviews
Based on 274 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, with many praising its ability to evoke strong feelings, despite the sad themes surrounding loss and grief in the beginning. While some find it too scary or inappropriate for younger viewers due to its scenes of violence and emotional weight, others appreciate its depth and the important life lessons it teaches about relationships and adventure.
- emotional depth
- humor balance
- inappropriate scenes
- life lessons
- character journeys
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In UP, septuagenarian Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) and his wife Ellie had a shared dream since childhood: to visit exotic Paradise Falls in South America, a place the once-famous explorer Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer) claimed was the most beautiful in the world. After Ellie dies, Carl decides to make his beloved late wife's dream come true and unveils hundreds of helium balloons to fly his house to Paradise Falls. Unbeknownst to Carl, a young Wildlife Explorer scout named Russell (Justin Nagai) is along for the ride. When they finally arrive, the odd couple discovers that Muntz is more interested in killing an elusive rare bird than living in paradise.
Is It Any Good?
Pixar has brought to life a multi-generational odd couple in a film that's visually stunning, surprisingly touching, and unsurprisingly delightful. After nine films, Pixar's legend is well known; it's the only studio with a perfect record both commercially (each of its releases has grossed more than $150 million) and critically. Up is no exception on the latter front, and considering the demand for family entertainment, it's sure to be a big hit money-wise, too.
The beginning of the film is an unexpected tearjerker following the entire marriage -- from first sight to widowhood -- of adventurous-at-heart Carl and Ellie Fredricksen. But he bulk of the story, as the trailer promises, is Carl and Russell's amazing skyward journey to Paradise Falls. Above the gorgeous and colorful animated vistas, Pixar's astonishing achievement is the sweet, funny, lasting relationship that it's odd-couple heroes share.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Up's central relationship between Carl and Russell. What does the movie have to say about multigenerational friendships? What does a young boy teach an elderly man, and vice versa?
Kids: What kind of adventures do you dream of having? Does an adventure need to be somewhere far away?
How do the characters in Up demonstrate empathy and teamwork? What about integrity and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 29, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : November 10, 2009
- Cast : Christopher Plummer , Ed Asner , Jordan Nagai
- Director : Pete Docter
- Studio : Pixar Animation Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Gratitude , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some peril and action
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : November 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate