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'Elemental'-Predictable, but Relatable and Adorable

Disney/Pixar's 'Elemental.' Photo courtesy of movieposters.com and Disney.

While most of the story of Elemental was too similar to other films such as Shrek 2, it was nonetheless adorable between the romance of the main characters and the bright lights of their city and fellow populace. Elemental was also abundant in awkward young adult humor and comical yet tense family drama.

Elemental tells the story of Ember Lumen and Wade Ripple, voiced by Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, anthropomorphic beings of fire and water, and how they try to overcome distrustful history between their kinds in order to protect their families and their blossoming romantic relationship.

From the opening, I picked up a Zootopia-type vibe in the case of Ember's parents hoping to start a new life in Element City. The city had beautiful buildings and colorful characters, regardless of who splashes the water, prunes the fruits, or accidentally burns things to a crisp. Lewis' character of Ember Lumen was very relatable to me, in that we're both struggling to find our identities away from fulfilling our fathers' legacies. She also came off as feisty trying to make her way through controlling parents, balancing her temper, and ending bigotry from a city that despises walking hotheads, literally.

Athie's character of Wade Ripple was a great foil for Ember. From his funny screaming and emotional meltdowns to optimistic outlook on life, Wade was able to help Ember find the best in her and give it to others, or other objects, such as her ability to make beautiful glass art. It was also very humorous how he tried and failed to first impress Ember's father Bernie, voiced by Ronnie Del Carmen.

It was also funny how both their families tried to either meddle in their relationship or encourage it. Either way, more awkward and fun family charm!

Despite all the drama they both face, Ember and Lumen proved that love for each other and themselves is worth the fight. It felt like watching films such as Save the Last Dance in that the main characters want to be bigger than they are and what society perceives them to be capable of, but I enjoyed seeing them get closer together over the course of the film.

I remember reading and watching a clip where director Peter Sohn, also the voice of Emile from Ratatouille and Scott from Monsters University, said he was inspired to make the film based on his experience growing up with Korean immigrant parents in New York. Well-executed from both the crew and cast. Love is worth the fight!

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