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June 9, 2009

"Up" In 3-D

I don't want to spend a lot of time doing some kind of half-assed movie review for a film that's getting 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, but Elaine and I caught "Up" last night at the Neptune, and it's absolutely fantastic.

My friend Jeff called it a "masterpiece", and he's totally right. Elaine and I went for date night, and came out of the picture on a high. I just can't say enough good things about it.

This was my first mainstream 3-D experience, and it was pretty good. 3-D's been a kitch thing (red-green paper glasses) or a geek thing (IMAX goggles) for, like, ever; I was expecting motion sickness and/or disappointment. Turns out the new glasses are no bigger (or heavier) than a pair of cheap sunglassses from the 7-11, and the film doesn't try to play up the 3-D angle too much. 3-D becomes something extra, like THX sound or a big screen; it makes the film a little better, a little more vibrant.

I've always associated the Neptune with divey, low-budget, midnight "Rocky Horror" screenings; the fact that they've got a 3-D system was a shock, to say the least. Landmark's clearly put some money into the place over the past couple years, and that's a Good Thing.

The one drawback to seeing "Up" theatrically is that you have to sit through trailers for some absolute junk - "Ice Age", "G-Force", "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" - flicks that are being marketed to kids, but aren't remotely in Pixar's league of filmmaking. Ugh.

PS - If you go see the film, pack tissues. You'll need 'em. (I did.)

PPS - Seriously. Go see it.

Posted by Gavin Shearer at June 9, 2009 6:24 PM. Posted to Entertainment.

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