Summer vacation doesn’t officially start until tomorrow afternoon at 3:46 P.M. But I’m not one who likes to wait until the last minute, so we decided to get a jump start on our summer by going to the movies tonight!
I took our children – plus a friend each – to go see the latest Pixar offering, “Up”. And yes, we did pay the premium price to see it the way God intended: in HD 3-D! The kids were way cool in their glasses:
We met another McGowen family at the theater and the boys decided to sit together while the girls and I sat closer to the front. We all settled in with our popcorn and waited for the movie to start.
And after the first 15 minutes, I was a blubbering idiot.
I have no idea why I had such a strong emotional reaction to that opening sequence, but boy, howdy, it did me in. And then I had another meltdown later in the movie (for those who’ve seen it, it was the scene when he finds the pictures in her adventure book – and reads what she wrote at the end).  I never knew a kids’ movie could be such a tear-jerker!
But although this was not my favorite Pixar movie – and definitely was not completely geared toward children – I did love the following:
1) The parody on Boy Scouts. You knew I would. That little wilderness scout had me at “Good afternoon.” Perhaps it’s because I have my own little scout with his uniform all covered with all his patches and awards. Perhaps it’s because I have my own little scout who goes door-to-door, script in hand, selling popcorn each November. Perhaps it’s because I have my own little scout who thinks it’s the coolest thing in the world that his mom is his Den Leader…just like Russell wanted his dad to be involved. If nothing else, that chubby-cheeked little mailman reminded me of why I do all the things I do. Why, even when I am so tired and worn out, I do the den activity. Why, even when I would rather enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon, I walk the neighborhood with him selling popcorn. Why, even when I would rather sleep in a nice, warm, comfy bed, I set up a tent and sleep in the great outdoors with bugs and critters and dirt and cold. Because deep down inside, my boy is Russell. And I don’t want some Mr. Frederickson having to take my place.
2) I loved the dogs. “Squirrel!” “Point!” “My master is very smart and good. I have a good and smart master. My master, who is very good and smart made me this collar.” “You are my master and I love you.” “Ball? BALL?? I want the ball! Give me the ball!” “The collar of shame.” Oh, and lest I forget: the scene at the end with the dogs hanging their heads out of the windows of the blimp. Classic. I think Dug will be the sleeper star of the summer.
All in all, a sweet movie with some tender – and some not-so-tender – moments. But a story that will make you think about the legacy we leave behind. The relationships we share. The memories we build along the way. And the impact we can have on others. It’s a story that has meaning for kids and adults alike.
Just don’t forget to pack your kleenex.