Elio

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.

Elio is another heartwarming gem from Pixar. The animation is beautiful, with rich colors and amazing space designs. The story blends emotion, humor, and action in a way that only Pixar can. You really feel for Elio as he navigates a strange new world, and the ending is both powerful and satisfying. The film balances fun alien adventures with quiet, touching moments that stay with you. It's a classic Pixar mix of wonder and warmth - not just great for kids, but meaningful for adults too.

Synopsis: For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers--in Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film "Elio," the universe calls back! The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. So, when he's beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio's all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth's leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be.

Pixar's latest has a lot going for it, and its premise-a lost child trying to find his place in the world-is a strong one. However, despite moments of great dialogue and brave, original character designs, the story struggles to overcome its inherent structural issues.

That's not to say Elio is unwatchable. The lead characters have charm, and there are flashes of brilliance. But it feels like a film that could have been so much more, if only more thought had been given to how the middle section was constructed. Events and characters are introduced and discarded too quickly, existing more to serve plot progression than to enrich the story. As a result, both the wonderful beginning and well-conceived conclusion are let down by a workmanlike narrative that fails to connect the dots in a satisfying way. The emotional beats are technically there, but they're crammed in, making the climax feel unearned and predictable.

From an animation standpoint, this is one of Pixar's best in years. The character designs are daring and imaginative, with bold choices-such as some characters being designed without eyes-that showcase Pixar's creativity and technical skill. Even the odd decision to use low-frame-rate slow motion (which unfortunately ends up looking more like Claymation) demonstrates a willingness to experiment.

In the end, there's not much to hate about Elio, but the lack of meaningful secondary characters to justify Elio's departure-or his return-makes the film feel less original than it should. It often echoes previous Pixar works like Finding Nemo or WALL-E, just wrapped in different packaging. With a stronger narrative structure, it could have stood shoulder to shoulder with those classics. As it is, Elio seems destined to be a film that kids watch in fragments-engaged by some parts and indifferent to others.

Like Marvel, Pixar may now be a victim of its own high standards. Only true originality-in both concept and construction-will allow it to reclaim its former glory.

I watched Elio, and honestly, it felt highly rushed. The movie spent more time building up Elio's plot and his life on Earth than it did on the actual space adventure - which should've been the heart of the story for growth. Even then, the space part lacked complexity, everything just felt short and underdeveloped. I know it's a kids' movie, but it still felt like it could've been much more. Kids are capable understanding some complex situations. Take WallE and monsters, Inc for example. Overall, it came off as rushed and missing the emotional or narrative weight it needed. I see the vision but it needed more.

The first few minutes of the film felt slightly incohesive, but it quickly found its rhythm. What followed was a genuinely good film, refined, emotionally grounded, and supported by well-developed characters.

It was disheartening to see such a low turnout on premiere day, especially for a film that dares to break away from the recycled storylines we've seen over the past decade. In a time when originality should be celebrated, it's unfortunate that support for something this fresh feels lacking.

That said, the film delivers plenty of heartfelt and humorous moments, and it's one that will surely resonate with both children and parents alike. I truly hope word of mouth helps it gain the recognition it deserves.