Up (Pete Docter, 2009)

With: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer, Bob Peterson

Plot: Needing a change of direction after the death of his wife and renovation of his neighbourhood, old man Carl Frederickson (Asner) attaches hundreds of balloons to his house in hopes of floating to a legendary falls in Costa Rica, unwittingly transporting a determined young boy scout in the process.

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Absolutely the most wildly veering and random plot Pixar have ever had, it almost seems like they're making it up as they go along, but it's no worse for it, and the unpredictable, adventurous nature suits the themes and atmosphere of the story. Settings are lushly realised and characters animated with flawless personality and nuance as you would expect (the dogs are endlessly funny to watch). I can't think of a single thing like it, and it manages to spin several odd-couple dynamics without seeming hackneyed. Basically, it's great, my only complaint is that Carl doesn't really seem old enough, often achieving near super-human feats of strength and reaction. Despite this discrepancy, and also the whirlwind plot, the emotional undercurrent remains firmly strong and consistent throughout, building to a well-earned, heart-warming finale.

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