Elemental Review - Pixar's Unusual Love Story Of Fire & Water Is Creative & Visually Splendid

Elemental marks the second collaboration between Pixar and director Peter Sohn, who has been associated with the production house for many years. "The Good Dinosaur" (2015) was the only directorial effort by Sohn, which was loved by critics and audiences but bombed at the domestic box office. Elemental seems to be having the same fortune, I suppose—in both aspects, content and box office. Elemental is a nothing-new formulaic romance lifted by Pixar's highly creative idea of an unusual pair and a visually splendid world. Pixar's stories may not work every time, but their ideas and fascinating visuals never fail to kick in the right amount of viewing experience. Elemental is a complex and brainstorming idea told in a simple and outdated manner, and that's the only issue with the film.Fire elements Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen) and Cinder Lumen (Shila Ommi) immigrate to Element City with their daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), and build a new house of their own. Growing up to be mature, Ember wants to take over the shop and relieve her father of all duties. Bernie, being a typical father, says, "When you are ready," as Ember can't control her anger. Her boring life is filled with colour and joy when she meets a boy made of water element, Wade (Mamoudou Athie). Wade takes her to the city to show Ember her worth, while she also realises what she has to do with her life. Amidst all the fun, they fall in love with each other, which is practically impossible. I mean, water and fire can't be together. That's crazy, no? Water could extinguish fire, and fire could evaporate water, so it's practically unbelievable. Yet they find an elemental chemistry that keeps both the opposite elements from wiping themselves out. How are the parents going to take it? Will these two get together and live like that forever?Elemental is an insanely creative story for all ages. The idea of setting up a love story of fire and water is just so wonderful. Elemental is ahead of its time in that sense, but the screenplay lies behind. Water and fire having each other for life might sound so silly, but somehow Pixar makes you believe in that world since it's a fictional universe. What an outstanding and unimaginable World they create, but.. and not just this once, but with each film. Hands down to the creative team at Pixar for always going out of their way with their imaginations and brainstorming ideas. The screenplay has some flaws in the conflicts, but the irregular mainstream activities of the characters will make you fall in love with this elemental city. The water boy tries to hide his Inspector's batch but instead magnifies it. LOL. The kiss between fire and water, those tears of laughter, and what not—Elemental is full of thoughtful gags. It's just the romance that seems dated.The voice cast of Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Catherine O'Hara has done a fine, sounding job. With animated films, it's easy to judge the cast since they have to be behind the camera, which is quite unusual for them. But then they have to work on dialogue delivery by assuming all the feelings of that character. Elemental is sweet and sounds beautiful there. Pixar and Walt Disney's Animation studios have pulled a fire job through the watering world, which is an excellent thing. Elemental could have been a 3D film, and the effects might have felt better. Imagine seeing fire and water with those 3D specs on.Talking about 2D viewing, Elemental is still breathtaking and splendid. Not a single frame to disturb or shake you from the seat or your sight off the screen. There is nothing ordinary in this world. Calling it extraordinary is the only option left to describe it aptly. David Bianchi and Jean-Claude Kalache's cinematography is fantastic, while Stephen Schaffer's editing puts extra effort into grabbing your eyeballs. Pixar's Elemental is technically impossible to think about, but it's all Peter Sohn's conviction that makes it possible. How on earth does Pixar do the impossible every time? Elemental is, of course, not one of their bests, not even in the top 10 films, since the filmography is damn too extremely great. So, even making your place after those classics is an amazing achievement in itself. Elemental is flawed unnecessarily, and that's the only weakness that pulls the film down. Rest, it's too good as a creative and artistic film, with some exhilarating scenes and outstanding visuals. A must-see for moderate expectations (which is not Brand Pixar's stuff, as we know).