Elio

Elio is a wonderful Sci-Fi Fantasy about an ungrateful boy who's granted a wish when he's whisked away on an incredible journey, at the end of which he learns that there's no place like home. Pixar's Elio has heart.

It's everything that i love about Pixar original films. It treats it's characters like real human beings and takes them on a full journey both inside and out (no pun intended). It's a movie for kids and adults and doesn't insult anyone's intelligence or sensibilities. Its a fest for the eyes, the brain, and the Soul.

Some Comps for it would be: E. T. The Wizard of Oz Luca

Don't expect Elio to be like Lilo & Stitch. Elio's alien friend is not written as a pet. He's his own character complete with a story arc. Trust me, it's well done.

Rating - 7.1: Overall, a pretty good movie that had the potential to be a Pixar classic because of the adorable story and characters that make you dream outside of this world and wonder if we are alone; but it is very obvious that Pixar put no resources or budget into making this movie, as it is a noticeable step down in production value from their last movie 'Inside Out 2'.

Direction - Pretty Good: The direction on a macroscale feels true to Pixar, as it has the Protagonist dream big and across the stars; the direction on a microscale is typical of Pixar, as it brings out the emotions of the audience as you care for the characters and their struggles, although this is definitely something we've seen before; the storytelling is pretty standard Pixar; they build tension decently well, as you are emotionally invested in these characters

Story - Decent to Pretty Good: The concept is cute, as Elio's curiosity is a proxy for finding companionship, even if he has to dream big and across the stars; while on the surface this is a space/alien movie, at its core, this movie is about a child not wanting to be alone; the plot structure is pretty standard and linear for a Pixar movie, which makes the movie very predictable; character writing is pretty good for Elio, as his whole motivation is to not be alone and find family/companionship, the supporting characters really don't feel fully fledged out and have 'Rick & Morty' names

Screenplay - Pretty Good: The dialogue is not true to the Pixar standard, but is fine as it is pretty profound still, even though it tries hard to be profound; The humor is not as great as other Pixar movies, but it is still somewhat funny; The symbolism is surprisingly profound as Elio's whole journey to find Aliens is a proxy for him to not be alone, but this is definitely told in a pretty overt way; The foreshadowing is not great as the Pixar template makes this movie very predictable

Acting - Decent to Pretty Good: Yonas Kibreab - Good (Really embodies how adorable, yet alone Elio is as you; the vocal performance is a major reason why you care for his character), Zoe Saldaña - Decent to Pretty Good (Plays the standard aunt, fostering her orphaned niece character; has decent chemistry with Kibreab), Rest of the cast - Decent to Pretty Good (The vocal performances felt very goofy this time around and did not feel like they had as much direction as other Pixar movies, but they were decent to pretty good and helped make the movie feel adorable; The child performances were a big reason why this movie felt cute)

Score - Pretty Good: Help with setting the tone and making the movie feel very sci-fi, yet adorable

Soundtrack - Pretty Bad: Felt a little cheap as it very much leaned into the family movie tropes of using a soundtrack

Cinematography - Pretty Good: Helps make outerspace feel otherworldly when juxtaposed with Earth; Helps with building the world (or worlds)

Editing - Pretty Good: Sharp and well-executed

Sound - Pretty Good: Sharp and well-executed

Visual Effects - Good: Definitely feels like a Pixar movie, but its step down in quality from other Pixar properties makes it very obvious that Pixar put no resources or budget into making this movie as it is definitely a step down from 'Inside Out 2'

Pacing - Pacing is pretty standard for a Pixar movie, but it is a little rushed in the resolution

Climax - Climax is executed well and is a fun watch

Tone - Tone is very similar to other Pixar movies, with sci-fi and coming-of-age themes

Final Notes - This movie had the potential to be good, but it's very obvious that Pixar put no resources or budget into making this movie; this movie makes you wonder if we are alone.

Pixar's next original film is now here! And honestly, is a little underwhelming. For starters, it's a Pixar film with a theme! With other films like Lightyear or Luca. There's a theme in there, but it's not present like other films! This is one with that heart and theme that Pixar is known for! When it comes to the story or theme, it all feels like Lilo and Stitch. Alien story, kid who feels he doesn't belong. It all feels like Lilo and Stitch! The film makes sure you care for the main character. He's a fun character, and is the best part of this movie! There's a lot of fun to be had! Characters, story, it's fun! But fun is not Pixar. Pixar is known for there advanced storytelling, mature theme, mature storytelling. That's what makes Pixar, PIXAR. But with Elio, it still feels like a lot of recent Pixar films, Like Elemental. Where you like it, it's enjoyable. But is not the highs of Pixar. Saying something is solid, means it's one of Pixar's weakest films, such as Elio! There problem is, there's too many different story ideas there trying to tackle, that in the end. It's rushed, chopped together, but has heart. Again, not the Pixar that Pixar was, back in the day. I was expecting more, but for a Pixar film, it doesn't reach the highs it needs to reach!

LIKES: Beautiful Visuals Smooth Animation Fun Content Relatable Character Moving Dialogue Relevant Material Entertaining Pace Funny Voice Acting Works For Me

DISLIKES: Still No Stakes Adventure Is Limited Lots Of Content Feels Rushed Character Usage Is Meh Unfulfilled Potential

Summary: In terms of the likes, Disney continues to amaze me, especially when Pixar comes up with vibrant worlds to play inside of. Elio maximized the visual experience with incredible colors that pop in a dazzling light show of splendorous wonder and fun. The worlds within the Communiverse have that nice touch of specificity to cater to the alien hodge-podge that dwells within the confines of the massive mini-universe. Certain to be a staple for merchandise, such visuals are fun to have adventures in, especially as the enthusiastic youth uncovers more of what they have to offer. Smooth animation unleashes fun content, the styles that were being studied in the 90s-2000s now reaching a peak in execution, with little frame dips or changes in styles. Amidst the fun are relatable characters, the titular one at times resonating well with me, given how awkward and odd I can be. However, there are plenty of statues to attach to in this movie, a character that my friend would say is a "spirit animal" of sorts that Disney's stories continue to highlight as their main element. These characters help to move the relevant material, deep dives into the facets of human relationships and identity that are wholesome, meaningful, and well-delivered, without getting too preachy. Moving dialogue at times hit me the hardest, these perfectly-executed moments that have the visuals to sell the full emotional spectrum of pain, joy, and happiness. And it's all done by talented voice acting, the two young voice actors are astonishing with how well-versed they are in their craft, perhaps the best performances of the bunch. Saldana is a welcome addition as well, not quite as balanced as the other two, but still putting her skills to their best work and accomplishing much as the supporting character. What was best for me was how the movie had emotion, but held a lot more humor that leaned towards classic Pixar. Elio incorporates jokes for a variety of ages, giving everyone something to enjoy as they poke fun at a lot of modern trends. Again, it feels like classic Pixar, and I always enjoy seeing those quips pulled in so that I don't feel like I'm watching Nick Junior titles again. To have it balanced with the meaningful material the way they did, the movie is entertaining, finding the correct pace to give you a lot of the movie-theater worthy experiences.

In regard to the dislikes, the movie still hasn't fully gotten back to the spirit of adventure that my favorite Pixar films have. Elio has a lot of focus on touchy-feelings and internal exploration rather than the outside world. Despite the establishment of a promising antagonist, Elio still can't give me an exciting adventure with stakes, suspense, and close calls that The Incredibles, Bug's Life, and Finding Nemo did. The comedy and relevant material helped alleviate some things, but in terms of Pixar's excitement, the studio still has some work to get back to the balance it had with its earlier works. Some other limitations had to do with the movie being too short, a lot of content feeling lost to the cutting room floor, as there seem to be gaps and conveniences taken that seem a little too stretched for my taste. Character usage is also mediocre, with a few big characters holding the promise of something more, but they get little screen time or involvement. How they still have not gotten this balance down just right, I don't know, but I found Elio still needed some polishing. As for the potential of the movie, there is more to be tapped, perhaps in a sequel that Disney will greenlight if it's profitable.

The VERDICT Elio blasts off into a visual style that Pixar continues to excel in with their animation work. It's a touching film that checks a lot of relevant boxes for me to help me enjoy the film. The comedy, especially, was my favorite aspect, getting back to the styles of their earlier works and blending them with the character development to make an engaging film that entertained me on various levels. And the voice acting, especially for Elio and Glordon, was top-notch and accomplished, selling a lot of the emotional moments that had many in the audience crying. Yet, Elio is still a bit too geared to the new-age storytelling, focusing more on the touchy-feely adventure than crafting the unique stories that match the internal to the external. It needs excitement, stakes, threats, and more time so that we have these character investments maximized, and not this plot armor that modern Disney crafts. Even more, I felt a lot of material got left behind with editing, much of which could have given us more time with the cavalcade of alien characters Pixar has created. There is more connection present, but most of the target audience might not care when you dive headfirst into the Disney pool. Is it worth a trip to the theater? I think so. Regardless, I give Elio the scores of: Adventure/Animation/Sci-Fi/Comedy/Drama/Fantasy/Family: 8.0 Movie Overall: 7.5.

A very entertaining film that's not just for kids - adults will find a lot to appreciate, too. The main character is incredibly sweet and deals with relatable, everyday issues in a heartfelt way.

Visually, it's beautifully animated as you'd expect from Pixar. It definitely resembles ,Luca' regarding its looks.

More importantly, the story touches on timely and meaningful themes: loneliness, grief, and how people from different backgrounds can come together when it really matters. It's thought-provoking without being heavy. Definitely worth watching, even if it's not among Pixar's absolute top-tier films.