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This is a very creative brilliant film. When I first heard about this animated film I was thinking of a story for children. I recommend this picture for anyone from 5 years old and up. Truthfully the story makes more sense for a mature person. .The story is clever and the creative execution of the animation is such fun and so entertaining.

Mr. Carl Fredrickson is an older retired balloon salesman. living alone in his little house with the beautiful memories of his lovely wife Ellie. They had always promised each other that they would save their money in order to make a wonderful adventurous journey to South America.

Ellie became ill and died. Poor Mr. Fredickson only had his wonderful memories of a great relationship. Construction was taking place all around his house and he became totally isolated in every way. I read that the caricature of Mr. Fredrickson was based loosely on Spencer Tracy. The voice is by Ed Asner. He is the most delightful character. I mentioned that this film can be enjoyed by retired folk. When poor Mr. Erickson gets out of bed in the morning and tries to straighten up I could relate. He sits in his comfortable chair and lets out a sigh.

A knock at the door introduces us to the cutest character, Russell. He is a scout looking to get a badge for helping an elderly citizen. At first Mr. Frederickson is rude and nasty to poor Russell. He doesn’t want anything to do with him. Russell looks like a butterball all decorated with his numerous scout badges.

The excitement begins when the house takes off with a multitude of balloons pulling it up into the sky. A knock at the door and we find the delightful faced Russell hanging on for dear life and wanting to come in.

The film tells the adventures of Russell and Mr. Erickson as they soar in the sky inside the little house. They face a series of problems and disasters. A wild scientist, a giant bird and a delightful dog are all part of the series of events faced by the characters.

A young child might be frightened by some of the scenes. At today’s showing there was a lot of laughter from a few children and several adults.

We all have dreams and often they are not realized. Mr. Erickson waited a long time and finally was able to have the adventure of his life. He changed from a lonely angry man into a kind person. He was sorry that he didn’t have the chance to travel with his dear Ellie but promised her he would take the trip they had always imagined.

The adventures are all wild and wonderful. The animation is the most creative I have ever seen. It is a fun story. I laughed and I shed tears.

This is a must for persons of all ages. I think it would be fun to see the film with a child so that you could discuss it from different points of view.