Pixar is on an incredible run. Its last three films, Ratatouille, Wall-e and Up, are going to be classics of the animated genre (Ratatouille is still my favorite-the greatest Rat movie of all time, and there's been more than you think).
So why does Pixar get this so right? I think it's because it totally and completely understands the MODERN child. (Some have said that it's because nobody in the entire Pixar outfit has entirely grown up themselves-I can't really bear witness to that but it sounds like a pretty good theory) The Disney model, you know, the Princess is in peril but hark! her Prince is near to save her and then marry her, seems pretty irrelevant to today's kid who is much more sophisticated in their story comprehension capability. No more "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" for this generation.
This gives Pixar a much broader palate to work with. In "Up", the much talked about montage of a young Carl and Ellie meeting, falling in love, losing a baby and just living a life is the perfect example of speaking to children without speaking down to them. Children get that there has been a family tragedy even if miscariage isn't part of their vocabulary. Something bad has happened, we see it. But we see it in long shot. We don't intrude on the Fredrickson's privacy. Children don't need the harsh emotion but they do know what's happening. It is elegant in it's simplicity,
beautiful for both children and adults and the essence of Pixar's genius.
The young scout in "Up" has a life filled with modern complications as well. He's lonely, looking for someone or something to connect with. That role traditionally went to a Dad. But Dad's not there. That's a modern dilemma. "Up" is a film that understands the problems that children need worked out on a screen today, in this generation. It's a company that knows great storytelling. Dust off another spot for an Oscar, Pixar.
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Rich, you are so right about our MODERN children. They do seem to "get" things without quite understanding the whole picture, and Pixar and their crew seem to have nailed something that is right on for this generation, while appealing to the parents as well. (And apparantly to you, both objectivly and subjuectably.) Abigail (your grandniece) at age 6 loved the film "Bridge to Terabithia" (not Pixar, not animated, but with similar appeal). Talked about it for ages. Both she and Tyler loved "UP". Both are sensitive to life's issues, have been exposed to harsh emotions,and are right up the alley of what Pixar is doing. Kudos to you for your insight.
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