Reel Rentals: November

Monday, 09 November 2009 11:28

A new Pixar classic, a novel-turned-film, and another hit from Judd Apatow.

By Victoria Phillips

Up
Nov. 10

In this funky animation, 78-year-old Carl Fredrickson isn’t happy. After being told he’s headed to a retirement home, he decides to fulfill a lifelong dream (and promise to his deceased wife) of traveling to South America. With thousands of balloons attached to his roof, Carl realizes he isn’t taking the journey alone when 8-year-old Russell comes along for the ride. Together they discover the adventure of a lifetime and stumble upon rabid dogs, a rare bird and an unexpected villain.

Their Take: “The purest pleasure.” —L.A. Times

Our Take: It’s a little sad, but one of Pixar’s best.

My Sister's Keeper
Nov. 17

Anna Fitzgerald is tired of not having the rights to her own body. She was a test-tube baby made as a genetic-match for her older sister Kate, who has a rare form of leukemia. All of Anna’s life she has been poked and prodded for her sister’s benefit. Fed up with it all, 13-year-old Anna sues for medical emancipation. Suddenly, things get even tougher for a family that already lives with constant sadness.

Their Take: “A gutsy premise, but no guts.” —San Francisco Chronicle

Our Take: They butchered the book almost beyond recognition.

Funny People
Nov. 24

George Simmons is a stand-up comedian who was just diagnosed with an incurable disease and given one year to live. Ira is a struggling new comedian who can’t figure out his on-stage the personality. The two perform at the same club and hit it off right away, eventually forming a close bond. They grow, laugh and learn together, inspiring them to rethink what’s really important.

Their Take: “It's a risky move to title a movie Funny People.” —USA Today

Our Take: Director Judd Apatow set out to make his funniest movie yet, and he succeeded.