Pixar returns with another family-oriented story. Our JP reviews “Elemental.”
Elemental
Walt Disney Pictures/ Pixar
- Directed by Peter Sohn
- Screenplay by John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, Brenda Hsueh
- Story by Peter Sohn, John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, Brenda Hsueh
- Produced by Denise Ream
- Starring Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O’Hara, Mason Wertheimer, Joe Pera, Matt Yang King
Studio Synopsis:
“Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman.
J.P.’s Take:
The highly talented filmmakers at Pixar are masters at wrapping social commentary into a colorful zany fun package. “Elemental” is an immigrant story, a coming-of-age story, and a love story all rolled into one.
Bernie (voiced by Ronnie Del Carmen) and Cinder Lumen (voiced by Shila Ommi) have immigrated to their new home of Element City. With a daughter Ember on the way, they face daily struggles, even xenophobia, as they open a convenience store called the Fireplace.
Time goes on, and Ember (voiced of Leah Lewis) grows up to be a charismatic, ambitious, and hot-headed young woman (of Fire-ish descent) with a deep love for family and tradition. Yet, her father is getting older and about to retire and wishes to leave the family business to her. However, she must prove herself and handle her temper.
When her father relents and allows her to run the shop, things don’t go according to plan. With the shop in disrepair, she lands in trouble with the city inspector named Wade Ripples (Mamoudou Athie). In the process, Ember strikes up an unlikely friendship with Wade, a water person, and wild and kooky adventure begins.
Pixar’s newest heartstring tugger allows us to explore the world of an immigrant family, nuanced by real-world experiences. The characters are differentiated by their elemental background, providing the multi-cultural push and pull effect of societal pressures. You’ll find creatures made of Earth, some made of air, and others made of water and fire. Ember Lumen, a fire person, is caught between etching out a life for herself while trying to satisfy family obligations with a possible romance on the horizon.
As with any immigrant family braving their new home, the Lumens face their surroundings with apprehension and wide-eyed curiosity. It’s the kind of animated feature that brings families together, allowing them to dig deep into their heritage and ask questions.
The story connects concisely without wandering out of focus on the premise. The fundamentals of its plot naturally reach all ages.
The narrative is simple, yet is brought to life by its effervescent and colorful characters. The visuals are vivid and look like a modern painting with its oblong shapes.
When I entered this screening, I didn’t know what to expect. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised by the connectivity. It’s another prime example of how Pixar is at the top of its game with family-oriented storytelling. I had a nice immersive experience.
Official Site: Elemental
