REEL CRITICS:

Disney and Pixar have combined forces again to create an instant classic that takes animation to another level. Their new film “Up” offers equal measures of laughter, joy, tension and sweet tears. The story reaches out to touch the real emotions we all share on life’s journey with those we love.

The movie centers on a grumpy old man who reluctantly befriends a chubby Boy Scout. A wonderful montage at the beginning of the movie shows the heartfelt progression of the old man’s life. He meets the delightful tomboy Ellie when they are both children in the 1930s. They grow up, fall in love, marry and have a full range of life experience. He ends up a widower hoping to finally live out the dreams they both shared but never fulfilled.

What follows is a tale of outrageous travel and adventure. The old man connects his house to thousands of balloons that raise him and his young companion high into the sky. They float to South America where they encounter talking dogs and mythical birds. The ensuing human intrigue unfolds with great wit and whimsy. But the tale is grounded in the hope and courage the heroes bring to the situation. This is a marvelous family film that will definitely earn Oscar attention.

JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office.