Carl's Date

I grew up in the mid 2000's and Up was a movie that for me and many others is the best Pixar movie ever created. It taught us the value of family and to appreciate the ones you loved. At the same time; it taught us how important it is to let go and learn to make new connections in life. This short film although only 8 minutes long, still continues some of those treasured values and shows Carl who still has a deep love for Ellie can move on with his life and be happy in his new adventures. If you reviewed this short badly; I am so terribly sorry that you haven't found the love shown in this film. Maybe you will find it one day and perhaps more to your sad life. Pro tip: take a shower once in a while, I hear it will make people not repel away from you.

An actual sequel to Up probably would've been pushing it so Carl's Date feels like the best way to revisit these characters and tell a fun self contained story without any risk of ruining an incredible original. It's inoffensive, funny and sincere.

Ed Asner kind yet gruff voice is a delight to hear one last time, just the mere mention of Ellie triggers the waterworks without fail. Bob Peterson's performance really compliments Dug's animation beautifully.

Andrea Datzman's score wisely chooses to call back to Michael Giacchino's iconic work in its final moments, offering a nice reminder of just how devastating it is. Combined with Ed Asner's performance it's overwhelmingly emotional, even if it's arguably manipulative.

After Up, this short film now shows us Carl and the dog Doug moving on with their lives. After that adventure, Carl now continues with his life and the new challenges that life can offer, it is his turn to prepare for a date while Doug tries to help. It's a good short film that offers a glimpse into what happened after Up. Doug is a charming character as always. Carl is no longer the grumpy old man we met in Up and it is noticeable that he even manages to move on some time after the death of his wife. It's an enjoyable short film that offers what could be a good epilogue to Up or perhaps the beginning of a new life in Carl's golden years. My rating for this short film is an 8/10.

I've not seen the dog days show, that can also be streamed at the moment. I assume the shorts we get there are of the same quality as this. Looking forward to watch them in the near future (they are on my never ending list). Talking of lists or trying to move on (I reckon one can say that without an intended pun, right?): Carl is finally moving on - well moving in (no pun intended here either).

If you have seen the movie (Up), you know the characters! One of the best beginnings ever captured on film - no matter if animated or "real". If you did not shed a tear or two (or more) watching that ... well it is almost impossible if you are a functioning human being not to. And like most humans, Carl is also trying to connect with others (again) ... with the help of his dog (I wrote god by accident ... or maybe it would have been another pun?) ... but how much does his dog know about dating? Exactly! A fun little short that is over before you know it ... with some interesting themes and topics (old age, forgetfulness, love, empathy and so much more) ... all packed in a short time ... Pixar, you did it again! And not by accident, so no oops needed.

There's only so much you can achieve in under ten minutes and Pixar would normally nail it but this little piece of cinema didn't hit the right notes ~ apart from when the sad music begins.

The premise is really, really simple: Carl is asked out on a date and is then bombarded by an incessant stream of the dog prattling on. I'd completely forgotten about the collar from the 2009 original.

Anyway, I wish the writers had given us more time with Carl contemplating the emotional pathway to letting go yet keeping Mrs Carl in his heart. For me, the dog spoiled that tenderness, because it wasn't funny.