Co-directors Pete Docter and Bob Peterson helm this story they co-wrote with Tom McCarthy about Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner), a former balloon salesman who, in an effort to fulfill his wife’s lifelong wish, ties helium-filled balloons to his house to float it to Paradise Falls in South America. Unbeknownst to Carl, a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), who is determined to earn a final merit badge for assisting the elderly and has crept aboard.
UP
What’s it rated? PG
When? 2009
Where’s it showing? Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo on Sunday, May 17, at 1 p.m.
A storm propels them all the way to South America, where they meet a mythical giant flightless bird Russell names Kevin and a golden retriever named Dug (voiced by Peterson), who’s outfitted with a special collar that allows his thoughts to be translated into human speech. Soon they find themselves imperiled by Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), an elderly explorer who was Carl’s childhood hero but who has now gone insane.
Stunningly animated, it’s an adventure story that explores grief, embracing new experiences, lifelong love, friendship, loyalty, living life to the fullest, and never giving up. It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Sound Editing. (96 min.) ∆
This article appears in May 14-21, 2026.
