Up 2, Pixar’s attempt to revisit the beloved world of Carl, Russell, and Dug, takes a surprisingly dark and misguided turn that tarnishes the legacy of the original. The most shocking and controversial moment involves Carl, struggling with dementia, accidentally shooting Dug in a scene meant to highlight the fragility of aging. While the film seems to aim for a poignant exploration of Carl’s mental decline, this moment is both tonally jarring and deeply upsetting, betraying the whimsy and heart of its predecessor. Instead of handling its themes with the sensitivity and nuance Pixar is known for, the film feels unnecessarily grim, alienating fans who cherished the bond between Carl and Dug. This baffling creative choice overshadows what could have been a heartfelt sequel, leaving audiences disturbed rather than moved.

Review of Up 2: Pixar struggles to make magic twice by focusing on Carl’s dementia
Up 2, Pixar’s attempt to revisit the beloved world of Carl, Russell, and Dug, takes a surprisingly dark and misguided turn that tarnishes the legacy of the original. The most shocking and controversial moment involves Carl, struggling with dementia, accidentally shooting Dug in a scene meant to highlight the fragility of aging. While the film…