Posted in: Movies, Reviews | Tagged: disney, elemental, pixar
Elemental is a delightful film that may not reach the level of greatness achieved by some of Pixar’s iconic movies, but it is definitely deserving of your attention. The film features two outstanding performances by Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, who bring the characters of Ember and Wade to life with charm and depth. While the first ten minutes of the film are a bit chaotic, once it finds its rhythm, it becomes a captivating and emotionally resonant viewing experience, which we have come to expect from Pixar.
In contrast to the disappointment many felt with Lightyear, Elemental serves as a refreshing counter with its beautiful visuals and metaphorical representation of the studio itself. It is unfortunate that many audiences may choose to watch it on Disney+ instead of experiencing the stunning visuals on the big screen, thus missing out on the full impact of the film.
FIRE AND WATER – Set in a diverse city where residents of different elemental backgrounds coexist, Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” introduces Ember, a strong and fiery young woman, and her friendship with Wade, a carefree and easygoing guy. Their unlikely bond challenges Ember’s beliefs about the world they live in. Starring Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie as Ember and Wade respectively, “Elemental” will be released on June 16, 2023. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Elemental Deserves Better
This film finds itself in a challenging position. The burden of expectations placed on it following the disappointment of Lightyear’s box office performance is unfair. The notion that Elemental needs to “save Pixar” is equally unjust, as Pixar has consistently delivered exceptional and beloved films in recent years, such as Onward, Soul, Luca, and Turning Red. However, three of these films bypassed theaters and went straight to Disney+, thanks to the misguided decisions of Bob Chapek. Chapek’s choice to position Pixar as a streaming brand, similar to what he did with Star Wars, likely contributed to the underperformance of Lightyear. Unfortunately, Elemental is now paying the price for these decisions.
Furthermore, Elemental faces tough competition with its release date falling in a crowded June, compounded by a lack of marketing compared to previous Pixar films. These factors set the film up for potential failure even before audiences step into the theater, which is a great shame.
Admittedly, Elemental is not an easy film to market due to its exploration of complex themes such as immigration, parent-child relationships, class systems, and various struggles related to self-esteem and mental health. However, the film’s strength lies in the exceptional vocal performances by Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, who bring the characters of Ember and Wade to life with depth and nuance. The genuine chemistry between them makes them a memorable Pixar duo, and their tender moments are a joy to watch.
The supporting cast, unfortunately, does not leave a lasting impression, which is a notable drawback. However, the success and engagement with Elemental heavily rely on the audience’s investment in the relationship between Ember and Wade. If viewers don’t connect with their bond, the film may not resonate as intended.
Director Peter Sohn does a commendable job in exploring the world of the Fire people in Element City, but it would have been beneficial to delve deeper into the other three elemental groups. The initial ten minutes of the film feel somewhat scattered as they attempt to introduce various aspects of life in the city, accompanied by light-hearted humor. Once the story settles, however, the focus remains primarily on the Fire people, leaving the audience yearning for more insight into the other elemental groups. This can be frustrating, as the audience is presented with a fascinating world that is not fully explored.
Additionally, the animation in certain scenes is visually stunning but can feel slightly jarring. Elemental offers a unique watching experience as it effectively presents a romantic animated film targeted towards adults. The storytelling primarily revolves around the two main characters, Ember and Wade, as well as Ember’s family, without detracting from the core narrative. However, this tight focus on the central story leaves many important themes addressed in the first half of the film unresolved or side-tracked too quickly.
Despite these shortcomings, Elemental remains a heartwarming and enjoyable film that captures the essence of summer movies. Its core message and emotional impact will sweep audiences away, providing a pleasant viewing experience. It is only upon reflection that some of its flaws may become apparent, but as a standalone cinematic experience, it is definitely worth your time.
Elemental Review by Jeremy Konrad
Rating: 7/10
Elemental is a delightful film that showcases one of the best couples in Pixar’s repertoire. While it may not reach the lofty heights of their classic films, it is definitely a worthwhile watch.
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Maria Malik is your guide to the immersive world of Virtual Reality (VR). With a passion for VR technology, she explores the latest VR headsets, applications, and experiences, providing readers with in-depth reviews, industry insights, and a glimpse into the future of virtual experiences.
