In a city where fire, water, land, and air residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common.
Mixed. My one-word reaction to this animated film. Why? That’s my one-word reaction to the fact it is presented in 3D. I did not watch the movie’s trailer before the screening I attended. I did, however, have some knowledge that the title referred to a story that revolved around the four basic elements: earth, fire, air, and water. Having been a teacher in a former life, I immediately presumed, “Ah, a fun, animated, kid-oriented science film incorporating essential information regarding the basic elements. What a sneaky way to filter actual science facts to young kids!” As usual, my presumption was way off-base. It was a fun film, but “Elemental Science” wasn’t its primary basis, “Elemental” is a love story. You KNOW kids love those kinds of movies.
Perhaps this is more of a pre-teen kind of film. They might get into a cute, innocent type of love story. There were certain morals to be had, like “Live your own dream, not the dream your parents have for you.” And “Don’t come on too strong in a relationship, or you might crush it out before it has had a chance to ignite.” There were lots of those messages to be had, although “screaming around the city on a motorbike” seemed to have been thought to be another kind of great idea to add… Well, all in fun, and it is a fun film.
My ancient remembrance of physical science class in the 9th grade aside, the film taught me that fire and water CAN mix if each believes in it strongly enough. Astrology would state that fire and water (essential “elements” in people) can mix if each is strong enough and respectful enough of the other. Ah, so the film also snuck in a bit of astrology because that is precisely the point of “Elemental.”
If all of this seems mixed up, that’s why my review of this film is…MIXED! Not forgetting the “Why?”, I have no idea why the film team chose 3D. It added almost nothing, and only a few scenes were somewhat enhanced. Why leave the theaters to handle all those unnecessary glasses? My ultimate conclusion is “Go. See the film.” The “cartoon” that precedes “Elemental,” the short new film that catches up with Carl Fredricksen (voice of Ed Asner) and his lovable talking dog, Dug (voice of Bob Peterson), who was introduced in Pixar’s Oscar®-winning feature “Up,” is better than the feature film.
In Theaters Friday, June 16th
