May 30: Two thumbs “Up” (see what I did there?)

We had decided our weekend plans would not include the new Pixar movie, Up, but y’know what? It was really hot today. Vic and I worked outside until we couldn’t take the heat anymore, Katie was at a friend’s house, and Jack was bored to the point of annoying the hell out of us, so when he suggested going to a movie this afternoon, we jumped on it.

One of the big things about Up is that it’s Pixar’s first movie presented in 3-D. Our nearby cinema is showing it in “regular” format and 3-D, and we chose a 3-D show. It was pretty cool, but I can’t say it was worth the extra $$, nor was the movie improved necessarily by the 3-D-ness. In fact, I think the coolest 3-D effect—besides the awesome glasses, of course—was the Disney logo at the beginning and end. ‘Course, we ooh and aah over any picture with a Disney theme park castle in it, so don’t go by us.

The movie, though, is fabulous—much more so than I expected after all the previews, trailers, and sneak peeks I’d seen. The story is sweet and adventurous. The characters are lovable and fun. The animation is stellar. It’s hard to believe they can improve over some of their earlier work but Pixar has done it again, folks. This one’s a keeper.

Upon leaving the theater, Jack said, “That was the best movie EVER!” That’s definitely five stars’ worth from him; remember, he’s the kid whose ratings system goes like this:

nonstop fart jokes = 5 STARS
songs or anything resembling art/culture = 2 THUMBS WAY, WAY DOWN (AND UNLIMITED FART SOUNDS)

I don’t remember any fart jokes in Up, but it was still a huge hit with Jack. He hasn’t stopped shouting “Squirrel!” in the middle of conversation all night.

And OH DARN, Katie’s going to want to see the movie too… we’re gonna have to go again. Shoot.

After the movie we went for a late dinner to California Pizza Kitchen. The last time we were there they gave us two of these contest things to use on a future visit. They’re all worth something—10% off your bill, a year’s worth of frozen pizzas, trips, cash, etc. The envelopes have to be opened by a manager, and tonight ours had the magic touch because both of our envelopes had $40 dinner vouchers in them. True, that’s no trip to Cancun, but it’s better than a punch in the face. And since we love that restaurant and go there (way too) often, we’ll use them. Maybe even tomorrow.