My Top 20 Favorite Films (With Comments)

Honorable Mention (The Tigger Movie): Perhaps more so than any other item on this list, The Tigger Movie represents my unconventional (or childish) taste in movies. The Tigger Movie is not only a film that rarely appears in Top Film lists, but it's also a film that rarely appears in any lists. Among Disney's dozens and dozens of animated films, The Tigger Movie is one of only a handful that could be considered obscure. Even the most devoted Disney fans often skip this one, due to assumed "baby-ish" qualities. Despite possible assumptions, The Tigger Movie is an extremely sophisticated, funny, and touching film.

One might be able to make an argument that The Tigger Movie isn't so much touching, as it is emotionally manipulative. I would certainly disagree. The Tigger Movie's emotional core (being Tigger's desire for family) is not only well conceived, but also surprisingly well developed. The amount of depth here is simply astounding considering the simplicity of the plot and characters. No other Winnie the Pooh film has managed to convey as much depth and surprisingly brutal emotion as The Tigger Movie.

The depth and subtle darkness is contrasted by light, trademark "Pooh" humor. Tigger's amusing speech mannerisms and positive bouncy nature should keep a smile firmly on your face. While a boisterous and seemingly one-dimensional character like Tigger may initially seem like someone who would instantly outstay his welcome, Tigger is charming and entertaining throughout the entire film.

With energetic musical numbers, charming (if simplistic) animation, and depth that exceeds most live-action films, The Tigger Movie is a beautiful and funny animated film that can stand with the best of Disney's vast filmography. Don't mistake this for another mediocre kid's film. This is a masterpiece in disguise.

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Number 20 (For the Birds): The next several films on this list are short films. While I've added most of them for their emotional poignancy, For the Birds is one of only a few short films on this list that I've added because they were so funny.

Though brief, For the Birds is the single most outrageous short film I've ever seen (though not quite the funniest). Character designs are clever and amusing. And while the plot is thin (as is true for most short films), For the Birds uses it to it's comedic max.

For the Birds is the kind of film that can make you laugh so hard, tears can come streaming down your eyes. This is not a sophisticated film by any means. There is no emotional subtext or political underline. This is what pure fun and laughs looks like.

If one were to point out a flaw in this film, it would be that it's considerably less funny the second time around, and even less so the third. The shock value of the gags are gone when re-watched, diminishing it's entertainment value. Still, For the Birds is still an excellent example of "shock humor," and more than deserving of a place on this list.

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Number 19 (The Snowman): The Snowman has made me feel more nostalgic than any other film I've ever seen. A simple story, told with charming simplicity, The Snowman is simply spellbinding. The Snowman is also notable for showing how a film with several flaws, can still be considered a masterpiece.

I won't talk much about the flaws, as they're not noticeable enough to take away very much from the film. They're mainly just badly conceived narrative detours. But that's not important. The Snowman is such a beautiful and magical film, I could care less.

It's a wonderful painting of childhood innocence, wrapped up in a charming and cozy package. While the song "Walking in the Air" is tonally uneven with the rest of the film (being comparatively darker) it's a wondrous and well written song that I loved so much, I didn't even mind the disruption in tone.

And then there's the ending. Yes, it's abrupt. Yes, it's depressing. It might even feel needlessly brutal. And I admit, I hated it at first. But as the credits rolled, I started thinking about how much I related to the boy who just lost his friend. It was like waking up from a wonderful dream and being briefly depressed that you now must enter back into reality. It boasts a lot of depth, and makes the film better because of it.

The Snowman is far from flawless. But it's sheer charm and nostalgia makes it a must-see. Combine this with a wonderful score, the beautiful song, and the surprisingly thoughtful ending, and this is a true masterpiece; flaws and all.

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Number 18 (Father and Daughter): It had been some time since I had last seen Father and Daughter, so I re-watched the short on YouTube before writing this. I can truthfully say that I had tears streaming down from my eyes, and that Father and Daughter has not lost any beauty the second time around.

The animation is beautiful, without being overly detailed or particularly dazzling. In fact, the animation is perfect for this tale. The wonderful thing about the story, is that it's easily relate-able to just about anyone. Henceforth, it can move just about anyone.

The daughter's innocent persistence is moving and inspiring. It paints a portrait of determination and hope that brings tears to eye. Even in just the minute at the beginning where we see the father and daughter together, we understand their love for eachother and their bond. Few films can display such obvious love in such a short amount of time.

A masterpiece of love, affection, and hope, Father and Daughter is, perhaps, the most moving parent-child film ever made.

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Number 17 (The Little Matchgirl): The Little Matchgirl is an almost gut-wrenchingly emotional, extremely touching, masterpiece. Few short films can acquire such delirious emotional heights. Perhaps the craziest thing about this short is that it's made by Disney!

Originally planned to be a part of Fantasia 2000, it was removed from the film for reasons I do not know, and am too lazy to look up. In one respect, I prefer it that way, because it might've been years until I had discovered it, because as of the time of this write-up, I have yet to see Fantasia 2000. However, had The Little Matchgirl been a part of Fantasia 2000, it would've reached a wider audience, and more people would've seen it. And believe me, this deserved a bigger audience.

This goes on my constantly expanding list of films that have made me cry. This moved me so much that when I showed it to one of my sisters, I had to leave the room within a few seconds, because I could already feel the tears coming.

The Little Matchgirl ranks among Disney's most elegant offerings, full length or not. It's also one of Disney's most moving films, if not they're single most moving. It's a shame that so few people have seen this short, while overrated Disney shorts such as Paperman are reaching millions and earning widely spread praise. The Little Matchgirl is an absolutely perfect animated short that, from a purely emotional standpoint, surpasses almost anything that Disney has ever done.

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Number 16 (Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day): Just as The Snowman serves as a whimsical example of nostalgia and childhood innocence, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day succeeds on the same terms. In fact, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day is actually an improvement, as it features more memorable characters, and it's absolutely hilarious.

In just under 25 minutes, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day provides a memorable and fun-filled little adventures, overflowing with charming characters and dialogue, and some really funny scenes. Tigger's brief rampage at Pooh's house, Pooh and Piglet's visit to Owl's house on a particularly blustery day, and the unforgettable Heffalumps and Woozles song are just a few of this short's highlight scenes.

You'd be hard pressed to find a short more adorable than this one. But even though Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day may seem like a children's short, this is just as entertaining (and possibly more so) for teens and adults. Some dialogue will only be found humorous to older ones, and only more mature viewers will be able to appreciate the creepy undertones and zany trippiness of the Heffalumps and Woozles song.

While Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day is likely to appeal more to those that grew up with Winnie the Pooh, even newcomers to the Hundred Acre Wood should find themselves charmed and entertained. Devoted fans will find themselves enchanted.

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Number 15 (The Prestige): The following is quoted from portions of my review of the film.

Before The Prestige started rolling, I was worried that I had placed my expectations for this film too high. I'll be frank: I shouldn't have worried. Never was I expecting this film to wow me as much as it did. I was engaged from the very first second, and remained so until the very last. I tried to force myself not to analyse the plot when the movie concluded, but it's impossible. It's like being stuck on a riddle all day, and indeed, The Prestige is very much like a riddle. And so it messes with your mind. Films like this can drive a person mad. The many, many plot twists are often surprising (sometimes even shocking), and I adored every one.

The Prestige is simply thrilling. Fast paced, mesmerizing, and doesn't feel even a bit long- despite the over 2 hour run time- The Prestige has you hooked from the very first shot. The plot is so intricate, weaving together 3 different times in the two magician's lives. This is at first overwhelming, but the picture grows clearer and clearer, but it doesn't make things any less unpredictable.

The twists are devilish. And there are many of them. You find yourself surprised so very often in this film, as events continue to unfold. Not to make the obvious Inception joke or anything, but The Prestige has many layers.

Everything about this film is so smart, and so well done. The characters are flawlessly developed, and the story is original, unique, and gripping. I've already said plenty about the twists of course, and the intricacies with the interwoven stories. I'm shocked and appalled that this film did not receive so much as a nomination from the Academy for editing, as it is so skilled and precise. I'm not the kind that pays attention to the editing, but in a film like this, it's crucial- far more so than most action films.

The Prestige not only impressed me, it wowed me. It's an experience that cannot be missed. Masterfully deceptive, and deviously assembled, The Prestige is, dare I say it, a masterpiece. The Prestige succeeds as a mystery, a drama, a thriller, and a mind-bender, while placing heavy focus on the characters themselves. Just one bit of advice- a caution if you will: Don't over think it, just absorb it all. Pay attention, and you will be greatly rewarded.

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Number 14 (The Princess and the Frog): Despite good intentions, The Princess and the Frog was met with disappointing (but still profitable) box office returns and a less than overwhelming audience reaction. Few rank The Princess and the Frog among their favorite Disney films. The Princess and the Frog isn't even considered the best modern Disney Princess film, with most people preferring the CGI Tangled. This disgusts me, because not only is The Princess and the Frog one of Disney's best films, it's also one of the greatest animated films of all time, period (and significantly better than Tangled).

The great looking hand-drawn animation adds some old school flair to an animated film that's very much in the same vein as Disney's classics. With tons of memorable (and hilarious) characters, and a truly moving finish, I am dumbfounded as to how little success The Princess and the Frog has had when compared to Disney's other more recent films.

While all Disney Princess films have had their share of magic, The Princess and the Frog utilizes magic of a different color: Voodoo. The use of voodoo makes The Princess and the Frog one of Disney's darkest and most intense films. I'm quite surprised it got a G rating from the MPAA.

The songs are fantastic, if just barely missing the mastery of the best Disney songs. "Friends on the Other Side" boasts dazzling visuals and darkly humorous lyrics, making it one of my favorites from the film (other favorites include "Down in New Orleans" and "Almost There").

The Princess and the Frog has heart and humor to spare. Surprising darkness and a great twist on the classic fairytale makes this a memorable and outstanding animated film. Tangled may have achieved more success, both critically and commercially, but The Princess and the Frog is still my favorite Disney Princess film of the 21st century.

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Number 13 (The Incredibles): I'm a sucker for a good satire, so that's at least part of the reason why The Incredibles appeals so much to me. The Incredibles is Pixar's most violent film, but it's also their most stylish and edgy. It contains the best things about Pixar films, such as great humor, sophistication, and heart, but also adds some new elements to the mix. The Incredibles isn't the most widely appealing of Pixar's films, but it's a surprisingly intelligent, and unbelievably fun romp.

The Incredibles is fast paced and the fun never stops. Satire wit and sharp dialogue pepper The Incredibles and the stunning action scenes insures a great time. While it's loud and sometimes frantic, The Incredibles is never obnoxious, or lacking in smarts.

And who could forget Edna Mode? One of Pixar's funniest and most memorable characters, the snooty fashion designer (voiced by director Brad Bird) is an absolute scream and steals all of her scenes. Should there ever be a sequel to The Incredibles (and fans have been demanding one for nearly a decade), I do hope Edna Mode gets an extended role, for she was an important and hilarious highlight in this film.

Michael Giacchino's score for The Incredibles is among the most underrated ever. Failing to earn the Oscar nomination it richly deserved, Giacchino's score here is among his very best work. It's jazzy and while loud, is intelligent and fun (just like the movie).

While The Incredibles is unlikely to be remembered as Pixar's most moving or thought provoking film, it's a wonderfully smart and outrageously fun time. If director Brad Bird's upcoming Tomorrowland is even nearly as good as The Incredibles, I'll be happy.

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Number 12 (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade): You know how I just got finished talking about how "unbelievably fun" The Incredibles was? Good, that will save myself from repeating too much, because Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is just as fun. Maybe even a bit more so.

Featuring the genius duo of Harrison Ford and Sean Connery, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a nonstop joy ride. Overflowing with memorable scenes and witty dialogue, this is the perfect action movie. I'm trying to refrain myself from talking about how fun this movie was (After all, I don't want to start sounding redundant...), but it's taking a lot of effort.

Stuffed with thrilling action scenes and great chemistry between the two aforementioned leads, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is as delightful as action films get (note that I used the word "delightful" instead of "fun" right there). Even as I write these words, I'm filled with a great sense of joy just remembering how "delightful" the movie was.

This final statement I make here may seem a bit unfair, but here it is: I think that Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the best of the Indiana Jones films. The reason this statement could be considered unfair, is that I never saw The Temple of Doom, and it's been many years since I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark or Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

And while I remember enjoying both movies (yes, I did enjoy Indy's forth outing), I don't recall having a strong desire to re-see either one. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade left the biggest impression on me, and just as I wanted to immediately re-watch it after finishing the movie, I still wouldn't pass up the chance to watch it right now.

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Number 11 (Geri's Game): Pixar has done some truly inventive short films over the years. Knick Knack, Day & Night, La Luna and For the Birds are just a few of Pixar's genius shorts. But none of them can top the hilarity that is Geri's Game.

A true masterpiece of comic timing, Geri's Game is easily the funniest short film ever made. With memorable music, hilarious character(s), and surprising depth, this is a cinematic experience that can't be missed. It provides a more memorable experience in 5 minutes, then most films can provide in 2 hours!

Also, unlike For the Birds, Geri's Game doesn't rely on shock value for humor, making Geri's Game endlessly re-watchable. The amount of sophistication and humor packed into such a short piece is truly astounding.

I've seen this short at least a dozen times, and I still think it's hilarious. And it's cleverness is still retained over all those viewings. I can't think of a better way to spend 5 minutes. Well, that's not true, but you get the idea.

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Number 10 (Toy Story): I shouldn't need to state that Toy Story was the first fully computer-animated feature film ever. I probably don't have to tell you that Toy Story not only changed the world of animation as we know it, but also the world of film, period. And as a result, it should be obvious that you would find Toy Story on my personal list of favorite films.

With a perfect blend of heart, humor, and memorable characters, it's not hard to see why the Toy Story trilogy ranks among the most loved movie trilogies of all time. While Toy Story could've easily been a gimmicky mess, it achieved heights that few films have reached. What's almost more unbelievable is how Pixar has (mostly) maintained these high standards over the years.

Hugely creative, and with lots of emotional depth, Toy Story is a highly sophisticated animated film. The Toy Story films have all left me in tears, though Toy Story may have been the most moving of the three (Toy Story 3 is a close second).

Toy Story was a huge part of my life as a child (well, as a younger child anyway) and the sense of nostalgia I get from watching Toy Story is irreplaceable. If you didn't grow up with Toy Story, I'm truly sorry for you. If you still haven't seen it, you need to go buy the movie right now. Toy Story isn't quite the best animated film around, but it's an undeniable masterpiece.

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Number 9 (Monster, Inc.): Taking full advantage of what may be Pixar's most original idea to date, Monsters, Inc. is one of Pixar's funniest films, and one of their most moving. In my opinion, Monsters, Inc. receives far too little praise. Often forgotten among Finding Nemo and the Toy Story films, the Mike and Sulley duo have to settle for a comparatively smaller parade of fans.

Monsters, Inc. may be a bit frantic for some tastes, and the premise might be just a wee bit disturbing, but that hardly matters in such an ingeniously crafted film as this. With a cast of scene-stealing characters, some truly inspired casting, and a delightfully jazzy score by Randy Newman, it's hard to dislike Monsters, Inc.

Of course, as hilarious as Monsters, Inc. is, it's the last 15 minutes that earns this flick a spot on my top 20. Sulley's heartfelt goodbye to Boo brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it (and I've seen the movie at least a dozen times). And I certainly wouldn't hesitate to rank the conclusion as Pixar's very best ending.

Monsters, Inc. isn't as sophisticated or subtle as most of Pixar's offerings, but it's so outrageously funny, I couldn't care less. Plus that beautiful ending! When compared to the success of other Pixar films, Monsters, Inc. has received little attention. Hopefully this summer's prequel motivates audiences to check out the outstanding original.

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Number 8 (Toy Story 3): Toy Story 3 is often considered one of the greatest animated films of all time, and the best of the Toy Story trilogy. I couldn't agree more. Heartfelt, fiendishly clever, and surprisingly dark, Toy Story 3 was a risk that paid off, and then some.

While second sequels rarely work (heck, first sequels rarely work), Toy Story 3 is a triumphant exception. The characters are just as fun to be around as ever, and the new additions are great and they don't feel like phonies.

Many parents felt disturbed by the darkness of the film (especially the scene where it appears the gang are going to be roasted alive). It's a testament to the world's love for the Toy Story films and Pixar's legacy that they were able to get away with such darkness and peril in a G rated film, and manage to avoid much controversy. If any other company had done the same thing, the film would have been a financial flop.

Having grown up with the Toy Story films, this was a wonderful experience. While Toy Story 3 doesn't work as well as a stand alone film, fans of the previous two will have no choice but to fall in love with the film. It's not quite Pixar's best film, but it's extremely close. I just hope Pixar has the sense to end the trilogy now. There have been nasty rumors of a Toy Story 4, and with an ending as complete as this one, another sequel can only be a mistake.

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Number 7 (Beauty and the Beast): Rightfully considered Disney's most elegant film, Beauty and the Beast is the best feature-length film from the house of mouse. Of course, this is no small praise considering the great films Disney has made over the years (besides the ones on the list, Wreck-It Ralph, Aladdin, Tarzan, etc.), but Beauty and the Beast is more than worthy of it.

The story is beautiful, the animation is equally so. The characters rank among Disney's most memorable and most amusing. The songs are some of the very best put to film (with "Be Our Guest" being my all time favorite Disney song), and Menken's score is some of his best work.

Beauty and the Beast is also a very touching effort. There's some great development and chemistry between Belle and the Beast, which makes the finale all the more poignant. This is also a bit darker than most of the other Disney films, an element that is most evident during the final battle between Gaston and the Beast.

Beauty and the Beast is not without flaw. At least two plot holes and a slap stick overload at the end might turn off some movie goers, but that shouldn't stop anyone from witnessing Disney's finest film.

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Number 6 (Hugo): The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick, is a ingenious and spellbinding book, and a personal favorite of mine. When I heard there was going to be a film adaption, I became extremely excited, though I obviously felt nervous that the movie wouldn't do the book justice. I shouldn't have worried. Hugo is one of the few movies out there that are equal to it's source material. In fact, Hugo might be even better. And considering how great the book was, that's really saying something.

Seeing Hugo in theaters was one of the most magical movie-related experiences of my life. I remember being completely blown away by the acting, the visuals, the score, and the beautiful representation of the book. I recall almost crying during Hugo, not because of the events onscreen, but because of how perfect the film was, and how magical.

I'm disgusted that the Academy failed to give any nods to Hugo for acting, as the acting is excellent. Asa Butterfield is perfect as the title character, and just as I imagined him to be in the book. Ben Kingsley as George Melies was also as I imagined him to be, and easily pulled of the character's many layers. Sacha Baron Cohen's performance surprised me by it's sincerity as well as it's humor. If I had one complaint, it would be that I think Chloe Mortez was very much miscast, but I got over it.

Hugo is a spellbinding experience. This is movie magic at it's finest. The fact that it did so poorly at box office is a poor sign for the tastes of the average movie goer. Hugo is unmatched as far as live action family films go, and I don't expect any live action family film will ever come close to surpassing it.

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Number 5 (The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello): Wow. That's all I could think for a while after I saw this short. Wow. Geographic Explorations (as it will be referred to now for sake of simplicity) had me hooked from the beginning. Everything about this short just screams perfection. It's dark and it's creepy, and it's even a bit frightening at times, but so goes the tale of Jasper Morello.

In something of an underlining message of human greed and determination, many aspects of Geographic Explorations could only be described as disturbing. And yet, the end result is something both beautiful and moving. This is a truly unique and enchanting tale, a true monument in short films, and most importantly, disgustingly underrated.

I never have been able to find much to say about this short. I love it so, and yet, I find it impossible to talk much about. You must watch it yourself and experience it if you haven't already. It's a breathtakingly magical work of art. This short, more than any other, makes me wish that the short film genre was more widely appreciated.

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Number 4 (Wall-E): It certainly wouldn't be an outlandish statement to say that Wall-E is Pixar's most controversial film. Dealing with subjects like environmentalism and over-reliance on technology, Wall-E turned off many viewers on it's seemingly heavy-handed themes alone. Still, these messages are delivered with grace and limited preachiness, and that in itself is a victory.

Wall-E is often considered Pixar's most innovative film, as well as it's most adult. Most children I know struggled through the mostly dialogue-free first act, and lack of plush characters. But that's one of the reasons I love Wall-E, and even Pixar in general; they don't feel obligated to pander to the younger crowd. They recognize animation as an art medium, not a genre exclusively made for children, and that's a major part of Pixar's success.

Humor in Wall-E is a bit thinner than in most Pixar movies, but it still has it's share of laughs. If nothing else, it would be impossible to go through this film without at least smiling a few times. And I would easily rank Wall-E as one of Pixar's most charming and likeable characters.

Because Wall-E and EVE both have limited facial expressions, and are not able to talk much, portraying emotions and feelings in this film was a herculean task to be sure. The incredible thing is that not only does Pixar accomplish this, they do it with flying colors. A sure sign the emotions are getting across to the audience: I shed tears every time I watch this film. And Wall-E is one of only a few films that can say that.

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Number 3 (Inception): You've likely noticed the abundant lack of action films on this list. Action films generally don't appeal very much to me, so I have to be wowed to give an action film a particularly high score. Needless to say, Inception wowed me.

Action films today are generally mindless special effect shows. And while those can be fun, when done right, one can't help but want something a little smarter now and then. Inception's story line is extremely innovative, but the fact that this is an action film that shows some actual intelligence and requires you to use your grey matter is even more innovative.

The creative action sequences, great acting, combined with an intelligent and intricately woven plot make for a ingeniously wonderful film. It's crazy fun, while still providing some emotional umph. I loved every second. I felt truly invested in the characters, and the sheer brilliance of it all was overwhelming.

Yes, there are plot holes. Yes, there are narrative issues. And Zimmer's score has been parodied to death. But despite all of its flaws, Inception goes above and beyond what is called upon the average summer action flick. Inception is an exciting masterpiece that I've seen again and again, and will continue to do so.

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Number 2 (Ratatouille): Cursed with being labeled as one of Pixar's "middle" films (better than the Cars films, not as good as the Toy Story trilogy), Ratatouille is sadly forgotten among Pixar's pantheon of classics. The reviews were as good as any Pixar film, and had box office success to match, but it seems no one really remembers Ratatouille so much as The Incredibles and Up. Ratatouille certainly isn't Pixar's most popular film, but it's one of their very best and most understated.

An elegant and sophisticated offering, Ratatouille has the adult undertones that the best of animated films have, but in an even deeper respect. Anton Ego's reaction to the ratatouille will certainly go over the heads of any toddlers watching. While many would say the title goes to Wall-E or even The Incredibles, I think that Ratatouille may just be Pixar's most adult film.

I simply must spend a moment and discuss Michael Giacchino's score for Ratatouille, for while Giacchino received massive acclaim for his work on Up, I would argue that his score for Ratatouille is even more worthy of such praise. It's infectious blend of jazz, charming French themes, emotional melodies, and some great comedic bits (all reviewed in a mind-blowingly amazing credit suite), this is Giacchino's best work, and one of the greatest scores ever composed.

In a brilliantly satisfying, enormously funny, and subtly poignant feast, Ratatouille paints an artistic and ingenious portrait of true perfection. While not Pixar's best (that spot of honor is reserved for the next item on this list...), Ratatouille is a scrumptious delight. If only there were more that appreciated Ratatouille for more than just Pixar's forgotten "middle" film.

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Number 1 (Up): I am clearly no film buff. I made that clear in the description. I have seen relatively few films when compared to the average cinephile. And yet, I doubt any movie in the world could come even close to replacing Up as my all time favorite movie.

Up is as good as films get. It's the funniest film I've ever seen. It's also the most moving film I've ever seen. And yes, it's the best film I've ever seen.

Carl and Ellie's loving and friendly relationship is sweet from the start. And the groundbreaking (and heart breaking) "married life" segment (that will forever be my favorite movie scene ever) only adds to that. This is one of several scenes in Up that always brings tears to my eye. I'm not even exaggerating when I say that even now as I recall this scene, I'm almost tearing up.

Some would argue that after the "married life" segment, Up goes from genius, to less genius, or even pedestrian (many had similar complaints about Wall-E). And while I agree, nothing really matches the elegance and beauty of the Carl and Ellie montage, the rest of Up is still nothing short of absolute perfection.

The friendship between Carl and Russel can be seen a mile away, but it's gracefully developed, and their personalities compliment each other perfectly. As a comedic duo, no film has ever done better.

And Charles Muntz, Up's surprise villain (Pixar is quite fond of those) is a psychological masterpiece of a twist. Carl's life time hero, turns out to be a murderous monster that only wants Carl dead. It's surprisingly emotionally affecting, and it only gets better the more I think about it.

From the poignant start, to the hilarious middle, to the triumphant end, Up works on every conceivable level. If one needs proof of the emotional capabilities of the animation medium, one needs look no further than Up. I feel like I could talk about Up for days. It's just such a perfect and phenomenal film.

I'll leave it at this: One of the very best things about Up is it's accessibility. Many film buffs like to pick more artful films that critics adore but leaves the average movie goer in blank confusion. In my opinion, the best of films can appeal to anybody. Up is one of those films. Up is easy to like, and even easier to love. It's nothing that will leave you wondering what caused people to praise it so much. It's a film that's hard not to love, regardless of who you are. That's the Pixar secret, and that's why they're my favorite studio, and the makers of my favorite movies.