Pixar's Elemental, directed by Peter Sohn and written by John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, and Brenda Hsueh, has premiered at the Cannes International Film Festival. The film stars Mamoudou Athie and Leah Lewis as Wade Ripple and Ember Lumen, who, despite being made of different elements, discover their similarities in a world where all elements coexist. Early reviews of the film are mixed, with some praising it as one of Pixar's best in recent years, while others criticize its lack of depth in exploring its themes, despite its stunning visuals.
As Wade, Athie is a comedic gem, often breaking down in tears and recounting a hilarious encounter with a sponge from his past. The film is rife with clever jokes, including a game of tag between two relatives named Marco and Polo in Wade's aquatic abode. While Elemental has its merits, it falls short in its exploration of themes, leaving the viewer wanting a deeper dive into the story rather than just a surface-level examination.
However, the concept of the "element element" may be too complex for children to understand and relate to the natural world. Rather than providing a deeper understanding of traditional elements like fire and water, the convoluted plot introduces confusing new rules that don't have any practical application outside of the film. This elaborate concept requires significant exposition, resulting in the movie cramming essential backstory into its final reel despite its fast pace.
Thanks to Pixar's heartfelt writing, the film presents a touching courtship that is not overshadowed by the high-stakes climax where the pair's love is tested. While not a top contender for many people's favorite Pixar films, Elemental is a satisfying story of redemption. The film tackles themes of parental conflict and relationships, but also leaves some unanswered questions such as why fire feels cold and Wade's questionable attire. The environmental theme is briefly touched upon but ultimately takes a backseat to the couple's journey.
Pixar’s Elemental may not be the groundbreaking leap into uncharted territory that the studio is known for, but it still manages to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable experience. Despite its reliance on only two of the four elemental themes, the film’s familiarity doesn’t detract from its potential to be a successful summer release for Disney. While it may not have the same level of wow-factor as previous Pixar films, Elemental still manages to capture the studio’s signature charm and heart.
"Elemental" brings a fresh take on a classic adventure story, utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver stunning visuals and expert storytelling. However, the film falls short in its handling of a drawn-out romantic subplot that feels out of place and overly dramatic, detracting from an otherwise imaginative and captivating world."
With its touching portrayal of immigrant families and the powerful force of love, "Elemental" serves as a heartwarming tribute that showcases Pixar's ability to create timeless animated classics. This film, much like the bond between Ember and Wade, is sure to evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact on viewers of all ages.
Whether it’s the second-rate jokes or the formulaic tear-jerking moments, one can’t escape the sense of derivativeness. So many of this film’s elements have been utilised far better in the past.
What The Elemental Reviews Tell Us About The Movie
While some have praised Elemental's animation style and parallels to immigrant families, others criticize the plot for being overcomplicated and too dense for children to enjoy. Reviews also note the lack of originality in the plot, despite a strong message. This is the first original Pixar movie released in theaters since the pandemic, following the commercial failure of Lightyear. Pixar's recent movies have been criticized for losing their magic, and the mixed reception to Elemental reignites the debate. The movie faces stiff competition from DC's The Flash, and early reviews may hinder its box office success.
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