The Stream: Immigration storyline is too basic and a little preachy.

The Big Screen: Pixar animation is dazzling while the story is romantic.

The Final Bill: Another success from Pixar animation that’s nice for the entire family.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Peter Sohn
Writers: John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, and Brenda Hsueh; story by Peter Sohn, John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, and Brenda Hsueh
Stars: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie Del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O’Hara
Genre: Comedy, Family, Romance, Adventure
Rating: PG for some peril, thematic elements and brief language
Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes
Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios
Platform: In theaters June 16, 2023
Notable Trailers: Barbie, White Bird, Haunted Mansion, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

Hey, Streamers! It’s good to have movies in theaters that families can enjoy together. Pixar usually delivers something that is visually appealing to kids with enough emotional heft to hook the parents. The latest release, Elemental, follows the tried and true Pixar formula. Here’s whether any elements are special enough for a trip to the theater.

Elemental is set in Element City, where Bernie and Cinder arrive to start a new life. They are fire elements and Element City is not set up to accommodate their kind. When Bernie and Cinder’s daughter, Ember, attempts to take over the family business, the convenience store in the heart of the fire district, things go spectacularly wrong and threaten to destroy the future of the business and the neighborhood altogether. We also meet Wade, a water element, who helps Ember deal with the problems threatening her family’s well-being. Dazzling animation and tear-filled hijinks ensue.

Elemental creates a really interesting world in which air, water, earth and fire co-exist. The design of Element City is visually stunning, which is not a surprise considering Pixar’s history. The animation and colors of the movie are like a feast for the eyes. The way water looks and moves and the brightness of the fire really enhanced the movie. The story of Elemental is also affecting. This is probably Pixar’s most romantic movie. Ember and Wade are very sweet together and their connection makes the movie. Also, there is a theme about the immigrant experience that undergirds the plot. It is kind of heavy-handed but never preachy.

Ultimately, Elemental is a dazzling animated film and a deeply-affecting story. There is a nice theme about immigration and familial duty that serves as a foundation for the plot while the rest of the story is sweet and romantic. Children and adults would enjoy this movie alike. Grab a big box of popcorn and brave the elements for a trip to the theater.