Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Released 06-16-2023
Watched 06-19-2023
Reviewed 06-20-2023
Viewed in Theater - Using Cinemark Movie Club
"There’s a word in Fireish. Deshlock. It means embrace the light when it burns because it won’t always last forever."
Pixar's latest offering, Elemental, takes audiences on a captivating journey into a vibrant city where fire, water, land, and air residents coexist. This imaginative world serves as the backdrop for a heartwarming and forbidden love story that will leave you charmed. While not without its flaws, Elemental succeeds in captivating audiences of all ages and delivering an enjoyable cinematic experience.
At its core, Elemental explores the unlikely connection between a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy. Their initial encounters are filled with witty banter and playful sparks as their contrasting personalities collide. As the story unfolds, their shared experiences and mutual understanding reveal just how much they have in common. It's a tale of forbidden love, beautifully brought to life by Pixar's talented team.
One aspect that stands out in Elemental is its ability to engage audiences of all ages. This is undoubtedly a family movie, one that both kids and adult "kids" can appreciate. The film strikes a delicate balance, offering wholesome entertainment for younger viewers while incorporating deeper themes and emotional resonance for adults. It's a rare gem that manages to entertain and resonate with multiple generations.
One cannot deny the humor in Elemental, which finds its way into every corner of the story. The characters' journey is filled with lighthearted moments and clever quips, including a well-timed joke that when our protagonists finally unite, the love story gets "steamy" quite literally. These moments of levity add a delightful touch to the film, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, laughter can be a powerful force.
However, despite its strengths, Elemental falls short of achieving true greatness. The plotline, while enjoyable, treads on familiar ground and lacks the originality we have come to expect from Pixar. While the film certainly succeeds in delivering a heartwarming story, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the studio's best works. Though still an entertaining experience, it doesn't leave a lasting impression like some of Pixar's more memorable films.
Overall, Elemental earns a solid four-star rating due to its ability to entertain audiences of all ages and its endearing portrayal of a forbidden love story. With its vibrant animation, engaging characters, and moments of humor, it captivates both young and old alike. While it may not be Pixar's most groundbreaking or unforgettable film, it is certainly a delightful addition to their catalog and a worthwhile cinematic experience for the whole family.