Pop Commentary

“Elio” wasn’t the best animated movie I’ve ever seen, but I don’t think it deserved to have the worst opening weekend for a Pixar film.

Overall, I thought the movie was cute. It follows an alien-obsessed boy who happily gets beamed up to space, where he forms bonds with eccentric lifeforms, navigates an intergalactic crisis, and ends up discovering where he’s meant to be.

I thought the writing was pretty good. Like a lot of Disney films, the story focuses a lot on the importance of family and home. However, I do feel like the filmmakers were trying really hard to make the audience cry and it just wasn’t that emotionally effective.

It was pretty funny, though. My favorite part of the movie was a tubby worm-like alien named Glordon that Elio befriends. His scenes were hysterical, and I wish we saw even more of him.

Another issue I had with the film was the main conflict with Glordon’s dad. It seemed kind of random and not well-connected to the rest of the story.

Also, a lot of the movie takes place in just a few settings. I would have liked to have explored more alien worlds. I feel like that was a missed opportunity.

As for the animation, it was pretty standard for a Pixar film. I didn’t notice anything too revolutionary.

I’d still say the movie is worth watching, especially if you have kids or just enjoy Pixar films.

If you’ve already seen “Elio,” let me know your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to Pop Commentary for more reviews like this!