Is it just me ? Or does Carl the main character in Pixars new animated 3d film “UP” bear an uncanny likeness to poker professional TJ Cloutier ?
The new movie “UP” by Pixar is an excellent story with the message that tells you to follow your dreams. It starts with Carl, a retired balloon salesman and zookeeper who just lost his best friend in the whole world, his wife Ellie. When they were younger, they made a promise to move Ellie’s clubhouse to Paradise Falls, South America, but due to financial obligations, they could never make the trip. Carl decided to devise a plan to keep his promise to Ellie after having been ordered to move out of his home to Shady Oaks Retirement Home. That was the last straw. Carl tied thousands of balloons to his home and lifted it right off its foundation and he was off to South America.
Uncanny how much Carl looks like TJ Cloutier
Little does he know but little 8-year old Russell, a Wilderness Explorer, has decided to tag along as well. His goal is to help Carl achieve his goal which will help Russell earn his “Assisting the Elderly” badge in hopes that he will become a Sr. Wilderness Explorer.
After reaching South America, they realize that they have quite a hike to reach Paradise Falls. Along their journey, they run into Kevin, which is an exotic and endangered 13-foot flightless female bird. Kevin is among many birds that is being protected to be brought to America as proof so that the villain of the movie, Charles Muntz, can protect his aching ego after being called a fraud by his peers in previous years.
The trio also runs into Dug, a dog with a talking collar that belongs to Muntz. Dug is very friendly and loyal but after seeing his previous owner’s dark side, he soon befriends Carl and continues to help him throughout their adventure.
Without spoiling the ending, it can be said that the foursome has an awesome adventure and both Carl and Russell become very good friends. You will want to go and see this movie to see the ending.
TJ Cloutier and Carl = Twins?
Is it just me, or does Carl resemble one of the greatest professional poker players of all time; TJ Cloutier ? Although is sure seems like they modeled Carl’s short, square face and round body after the 6 time WSOP bracelet winner, it is more than likely just a coincidence.
TJ Cloutier has seemed to lead a very happy life, much like Carl, with several different adventures along the way. TJ has done everything from play football in the Rose Bowl, to being apart of the military and then going off to play football in the Canadian Football League. After an injury, TJ then went off to start his own food company but that fizzled shortly after. His attention then focused on poker and it has been very good to him as he is a student of the game. Besides winning millions of dollars playing poker, TJ is also an author and co-author of several poker books and travels with his wife to poker tournaments all over the world.
Up and TJ Cloutier
Although the fact that Carl resembles TJ may be just a coincidence that sure should not stop you from taking your loved ones to see this heart-felt film. And even if your kids do not recognize him, you can take joy in knowing that one of your favorite poker players somehow made his way to the big screen, whether he knows it or not.
