The heartbreaking montage at the beginning of the animated film Up finally got a live-action remake in John Krasinski’s $185 million movie. Pixar’s Up is notorious for Carl and Ellie’s montage in the movie’s opening sequence. In just a few minutes, viewers watch the trajectory of their happy lives up until the twist of Ellie’s death. Viewers will never forget the sheer joy and satisfaction of watching Carl and Ellie living their best lives together, only to end in such a heartbreaking twist within the film’s first five minutes.

Fans still discuss this opening sequence even over a decade later. Up took Pixar to the next level, largely because of this montage. Although Disney is notorious for remaking live-action films, Pixar is not rushing to join them soon, as the studio won’t develop any live-action remakes. Therefore, a live-action Up is highly unlikely. However, Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski’s movie streaming now on Paramount+ mirrors Up‘s opening segment, providing a live-action version of what this sequence would look like in real life.

IF’s Opening Sequence Is Just Like Up’s Heartbreaking Montage

IF And Up Both Feature Families That End In Tragedy

Krasinski’s film IF, which stands for Imaginary Friends, opens with a sequence similar to Up. Yet, it is not quite the same. IF‘s first scene is a montage of two young parents and their child, Bea, living their lives to the fullest. However, the opening in IF ends with Bea’s mom becoming sick. Although the circumstances are different, this beginning sequence evokes emotions similar to Up. Bea’s family enjoys life, from playing games to celebrating Halloween. These events lead to Bea’s mother spending time in the hospital, and when the montage ends, the audience learns that Bea’s mom has died.

Up’s Montage Is Superior To IF’s Opening

Up Is Far More Devastating Than IF

Although IF‘s opening sequence is gut-wrenching, it still does not compare to Disney Pixar’s Up, which is far more devastating. It may be a short sequence, but viewers got to know Carl and Ellie in Up‘s heartbreaking opening. They watch the pair meet and fall in love, with their lives playing out in just enough detail that audiences feel Carl’s devastation by the time Ellie dies. IF does not connect with the audience in the same way. The opening sequence is much shorter, which is not necessarily a problem if it can evoke similar feelings, but it does not.

IF‘s montage is too brief and not in chronological order. Viewers do not know how this family came to be; they are just a typical happy family when tragedy strikes. Although IF is a sweet film, the opening sequence does not hit quite the same way as Up does. The montage could have reached Up‘s level if viewers saw how Bea’s parents fell in love and established their lives before her mom became sick and died. If the beginning sequence had occurred that way, viewers would have been much more likely to view IF on a level similar to Up.

Despite the speedy opening sequence, IF does not disappoint. The film is reminiscent of precious childhood memories. Although IF is a bit slow initially, it picks up speed and satisfies the audience with a thrilling conclusion to Bea’s story that includes an unexpected but well-written plot twist. Even though the movie is not on the same level as Up, IF is a heartwarming film that evokes the inner child of viewers. The montage at the beginning of the movie might not be perfect, but the rest of the film certainly makes it worthwhile.