Calling all Star Struck Kids: Beaming into the World of ‘Elio’

Ready to bid goodbye to mundane Earth or immerse in an extraterrestrial escapade? Then sit tight and buckle up as we jet into Pixar’s cosmic rollercoaster, “Elio.” Prepare to feast your eyes on everything otherworldly; we're talking cute aliens that communicate through bouncing balls and awesome tech like steroid-infused Siri clones to Universal User Manuals that solve the mysteries of life.

Elio, our charming kid-napped (don’t bread an eye, that's how we say abducted in fun-land) protagonist voiced by Yonas Kibreab, sees interstellar life as a vibrant escape from our unanimated planet. After all, when the grass seems greener on the other side, who wouldn't be reluctant to return?

Directing trio, Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, and Domee Shi, have brewed a delightful kid-friendly space adventure that ticks all the Pixar boxes. But much like Elio, I couldn’t help craving that extra sprinkle of pixie dust – you know the one that truly teleports us to a new reality?

Fast forward a bit, our brave young hero, now orphaned and under the care of his Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), finds terrestrial life less than stellar. His heart yearns for a universe far beyond – mere heartaches away. And once the cosmic hub, Communiverse, hooks onto his feelings, they promptly offer Elio an otherworldly abode.

Once in this alien land, Elio takes on the role of Earth's emissary, but it’s his bromance with Glordon, (Remy Edgerly), the soft-hearted misunderstood extraterrestrial, that cements his new life. Their friendship revolves around develish fun like slurping zany neon drinks through crazy straws and aqua-fun in the alien waterways.

So, will their newly blossomed friendship resist the tests of the cosmos? Can they together prevent Glordon’s warlord dad, Grigon from choking the life out of the Communiverse? Will Elio overlook all the galactic glitz and appreciate the genuine love his Aunt Olga is offering back on Earth? Well, I wouldn’t want to rob you of the suspense!

Our interstellar journey isn't all about adrenaline-rushing fun. “Elio,” without a doubt, boasts some of the most stunning shots. A floating Voyager set against the haunting dominion of space or the bustling canvas of the Communiverse, every frame is carved to perfection.

But a fish-out-of-water tale like "Elio" also wears its heart upon its sleeve, reflecting the deep emotions and tough choices that form the underlying current of this sci-fi saga. Never overtly scary, yet always genuine in its raw emotions, "Elio" triumphs in tugging at our heartstrings when we least expect it.

Even if you foresee the curveballs the plotline throws at you, there’s plenty to enjoy in this 100-minute fun ride. Whether it’s chuckling at Elio’s earnest attempts to get himself abducted or feeling a lump in your throat at his vulnerable self-doubt, “Elio” certainly knows how to keep its audience engaged.

The downside? Though funny and touching, “Elio” sometimes lacks the depth and original twists which would’ve made it truly outstanding. Its strength relies on telling a straightforward story, but somewhat at the expense of character complexity and relational dynamics.

Yet at the end of the day, much like Elio, all we seek is reassurance that we are not alone in the universe. And in some areas, “Elio” seems to share this same longing. But where it succeeds is in providing a charming space escapade that reminds us that they're always friends in every corner of the universe, even the ones lightyears away.