Carl's Date is a continuation of Dug and Carl's story from Pixar's 2009 feature UP. It is also a continuation of the 2021 Pixar short film series Dug Days. The original Dug Days shorts shows what Dug has done for Carl since the 2009 film, and makes Dug, for the first time, the leader of his own story. The series teach a series of lessons told and shown to the audience through the antics of a loving and innocent dog. Carl's Date follows this same formula.
Carl's Date tells the tale of Dug, a Golden Retriever, as he helps Carl, his human papa, prepare for a date with a lady from the retirement home. The primary message of the film, a lesson learned by Carl from Dug, is to simply "be yourself."
Carl goes out of his way to try to make everything perfect for his date, including buying gifts, wearing strong cologne, and dying his hair black. Dug explains to Carl that humans need to act more like dogs, that all you need to do to get someone to like you is to tell them that, "I just met you and I love you." He also tells Carl that he loves Carl and that the lady will love him too.
For those UP purists out there, like me, you will be relieved to know that there is a sequence in the film where Carl talks to Ellie's picture. Ellie is Carl's late wife and a beloved character from Pixar's 2009 film UP. Carl tells Ellie that she will always be his girl, and that Dug will be his chaperone and will stop him from "pitching any woo." The sequence shows Carl's continued love for Ellie and how much trust he's now instilled in Dug.
Dug is a beloved Pixar character and I hope that Pixar can find a way to continue the series, as the series teaches loyalty, kindness, and character. I also hope Carl will not die with Ed Asner. Carl's story is, beyond the extraordinary circumstances, an ordinary story of finding life after the love of your life passes away. The character has hit legendary status in the Pantheon of Pixar characters.
The short is a perfect film for anyone who has ever loved a dog. The pairing of Carl and Dug is a perfect combination, similar to chocolate and peanut butter. I highly recommend the newest short film from Pixar! And... I hope you don't let your nose get dead...
Carl's Date tells the tale of Dug, a Golden Retriever, as he helps Carl, his human papa, prepare for a date with a lady from the retirement home. The primary message of the film, a lesson learned by Carl from Dug, is to simply "be yourself."
Carl goes out of his way to try to make everything perfect for his date, including buying gifts, wearing strong cologne, and dying his hair black. Dug explains to Carl that humans need to act more like dogs, that all you need to do to get someone to like you is to tell them that, "I just met you and I love you." He also tells Carl that he loves Carl and that the lady will love him too.
For those UP purists out there, like me, you will be relieved to know that there is a sequence in the film where Carl talks to Ellie's picture. Ellie is Carl's late wife and a beloved character from Pixar's 2009 film UP. Carl tells Ellie that she will always be his girl, and that Dug will be his chaperone and will stop him from "pitching any woo." The sequence shows Carl's continued love for Ellie and how much trust he's now instilled in Dug.
Dug is a beloved Pixar character and I hope that Pixar can find a way to continue the series, as the series teaches loyalty, kindness, and character. I also hope Carl will not die with Ed Asner. Carl's story is, beyond the extraordinary circumstances, an ordinary story of finding life after the love of your life passes away. The character has hit legendary status in the Pantheon of Pixar characters.
The short is a perfect film for anyone who has ever loved a dog. The pairing of Carl and Dug is a perfect combination, similar to chocolate and peanut butter. I highly recommend the newest short film from Pixar! And... I hope you don't let your nose get dead...