Elio

When Pixar Animation Studios produced their first feature film completed designed by computer back in 1995, who knew that it would become the phenomena of the year. Actually, it has produced animated feature films for the past 30 years with an incredible track record. We've seen "Toy Story", "Monsters Inc.", "A Bud's Life", "Up", "Onward", "Brave", "Cars", "The Incredibles", "Inside Out" "WALL-E", "Soul" to mention a handful. So now we are offered "Elio" to revel with.

Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab) is an 11-year old who doesn't feel like he fits in on Earth. He loves his Aunt Olga Solis (Zoe Saldana), and he knows she loves him too, but she doesn't really get him. Obsessed with space, Elio's favorite pastime is trying to make contact with with aliens. He desperately wants to get abducted, so he's over the moon, literally, when he's beamed up to a special place in space where planetary leaders convene. Mistaken for the leader of Earth, Elio will do anything to prove his worth, even if it means spearheading negotiations with a slightly crazed space warrior, Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett). As Elio attempts to negotiate with Grigon, Elio ends up meeting Grigon's young son, Gordon (Remy Edgerly) which he and Elio become fast friends, So, at least Elio feels he has some help. 

Others to round out the cast are Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa, Brandon Moon as Ambassador Helix, Dylan Gilmer as Bryce, Jake Getman as Caleb, Matthias Schweighoffer as Ambassador Tegman and Ana de la Reguera as Ambassador Turais.

This was incredibly well paced and staged by directors Madeline Sharafian ("2021 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Animation" '21), Domee Shi ("Turning Red" '22) plus a short and Adrian Molina ("Coco" (co-directed) '17) plus a short. This is where the more people involved, the better, since then they are able to cover effectively the many aspects of this animated marvel. There is so much going on that three directors are warranted. These filmmakers don't have a plethora of feature film experience, but they actually pulled this off. It was cleverly written by Julia Cho, Mark Hammer and Mike Jones, based on a story by Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Julia Cho. As with the directors of this film, the writers also don't have extensive feature film experience, but what they lack in experience, they more than made up for quality. These writers will undoubtedly receive more work, In fact, not to give any spoilers, this movie leaves its audience with the possibility of a sequel, and we would be the victors for it. Their sequencing, cohesiveness and originality makes for great storytelling, and Pixar Studios animation is, as usual, remarkable. 

If you're a fan of Pixar, you'll love this. It has that amazing feeling one gets after seeing one of their films. It's original, fresh and just plain FUN. I've said it before and I'll say it again, how do those guys at Pixar do it?

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG                                        98mins.