You can probably take your pick from any of the Pixar movies currently on release and be guaranteed an uplifting viewing experience - Pixar specialise in wholesome family entertainment which revitalizes the youthful spirit in the older members of the audience just as it brings a huge smile to the face of children. Up is as good a choice as any for easing the January blues, telling the story of Carl Fredricksen (superbly voice acted by Ed Eisner) who ties thousands of balloons to his house so that he can travel to South America and fulfil a promise made to his deceased wife. While that might sound morbid (and the opening montage depicting his life with his wife is certainly a tearjerker), the overall feel of Up is wonderfully good-spirited, with plenty of tender, poignant moments thrown in for good measure. It's not very often that a mainstream animated movie aimed largely at children features a gruff, elderly man as its protagonist, but Up pulls this off to perfection. If this film doesn't bring a smile to your face then there's probably something wrong with you.
