As a movie enthusiast and someone who has had their fair share of experiences with loss, I wholeheartedly recommend the Pixar film “Soul” to those who enjoyed “Elemental“. This comedy-drama is not only packed with strong music elements but also delves deep into the emotional journey of its characters. The story revolves around an aspiring jazz musician named Joe Gardner, played by Jamie Foxx, who finds himself in a peculiar predicament after his untimely demise.
2023’s “Elemental” presented Pixar with their most demanding technical hurdle, given the visual demands associated with crafting a romantic comedy-drama set within a society of classical elements such as wind, air, fire, and water. Many inhabitants of the city fear the destructive potential of the fire elementals, but a spirited young fire named Ember Lumen (played by Leah Lewis) and a melancholic water city inspector called Wade Ripple (portrayed by Mamodou Athie) embark on an adventure together despite their initial hesitations. As they traverse the stunning landscapes of Element City, they eventually develop feelings for each other.
While “Elemental” might not become one of Pixar’s most legendary films in the annals of history, it still managed to captivate both audiences and critics alike. After an initial sluggish performance, the movie ultimately proved to be a commercial success, raking in over $496 million worldwide. Add to that the countless viewers who streamed it on Disney+ or purchased it for home viewing, and there’s no denying that many people at least enjoy, if not adore, this film. Unfortunately, “Elemental” marks Pixar’s only journey to Element City thus far, leaving fans searching for similar experiences. Here are seven terrific alternatives to satisfy your craving.
Zootopia
Discussing unconventional duos in imaginative urban settings, you shouldn’t miss Disney’s 2016 action-comedy movie “Zootopia.” The featured city is home to various animal species living harmoniously, but strange events occur when predators suddenly revert to their wild ways. Rabbit police officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and sly fox con artist Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), an unusual partnership, join forces to solve the mystery while guiding viewers through Zootopia’s riskiest neighborhoods.
Just like “Elemental,” “Zootopia” is a vividly creative production that meticulously crafts its characters and environment. It offers an array of memorable characters, including Flash Slothmore (Raymond S. Persi), a sloth DMV worker who satirizes the department’s leisurely pace. Both films delve into the issue of discrimination; “Elemental” by depicting how other elements ostracize the powerful and volatile fire elementals, while “Zootopia” tackles the growing apprehension towards predators in society.
Luca
If you enjoy the out-of-water feel portrayed in “Elemental,” you might find Pixar’s “Luca” appealing as it delves deeper into this theme. This film tells the tale of two sea monster pals, Luca Paguro (played by Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto Scorfano (Jack Dylan Grazer), who can transform into humans when they leave the water. However, their newfound ability causes friction within their sea monster community as they explore human life and make a friend in Giulia Marcovaldo (Emma Berman). Of course, conflicts arise when these two distinct cultures meet.
The film titled “Luca”, which is set in 1950s Italy, offers viewers an enchanting and unfamiliar environment, similar to the setting of “Elemental”. Both movies share similar themes and fantastical elements, making “Elemental” (2021) a fitting companion piece. Notably, “Luca” is a well-crafted film that garnered praise from critics.
Coco
In the 2017 Pixar film “Coco,” there are several aspects that might captivate fans of the upcoming movie “Elemental.” Both movies share a theme of exploring and overcoming prejudices, but they each take unique routes to their conclusions. The protagonist of “Coco” is a young man named Miguel Rivera (Anthony González), who aspires to be a musician despite facing resistance from his grandmother, Abuelita Elena (Renée Victor). This family tradition discourages music in any form. Miguel’s defiance leads him on an adventure through the land of the dead, where he must find a blessing from a deceased relative to return to the living world.
In the movie “Coco”, we delve into the stories of Miguel and his ancestors, uncovering the reasons behind Imelda’s (Alanna Ubach) betrayal against their musical legacy. Similar to “Elemental”, this film blends themes like love, sorrow, and a myriad of other topics with amusing predicaments, all set in a creatively designed environment based on the Day of the Dead festival.
Puss in Boots
Initially, Antonio Banderas’ character Puss in Boots was just a delightful sidekick in “Shrek 2”. However, by 2011, he transformed into the main star of his standalone film titled “Puss in Boots”. This spin-off movie offers a more sophisticated and action-packed version of the “Shrek” universe, making it possible to present a conventional adventure storyline while also maintaining the franchise’s unique portrayal of fairy tale characters with unconventional twists.
In a more conversational style, here’s how you could rephrase the original text: Both “Elemental” and “Puss in Boots” have similarities despite their differences in swordplay. They both follow ordinary stories set against extraordinary backdrops, and they both delve into an evolving romance between their main characters – specifically, Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek). If you enjoy the first movie, I highly recommend watching its sequel, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” which builds upon the original. As a bonus, watching these two movies essentially gives you two fantastic movie recommendations for the price of one. To satisfy your craving for more Puss in Boots adventures, there are six seasons of “The Adventures of Puss in Boots” available on Netflix.
Onward
In a unique blend of enchanting creatures and cityscapes, the animated film “Onward” from 2020, another masterpiece by Pixar, rivals the charm presented in “Elemental.” This movie is set in a world that was once rich with magic and swordplay, but over time has transformed into a largely ordinary realm reminiscent of the 1980s. The story follows Ian (Tom Holland) and Barney Lightfoot (Chris Pratt), two recently orphaned elf brothers who attempt to bring their late father Wilden (Kyle Bornheimer) back for one more magical day using ancient spells. However, as is often the case with such endeavors, things don’t go quite according to plan.
Onward” presents a poignant, understated narrative deeply rooted in writer-director Dan Scanlon’s personal experience of losing his father. This results in emotional tones distinct from those found in “Elemental,” with a depth and darkness that is more profound. However, both movies share a unique blend of fantastical elements and urban settings, which should not be overlooked by fans of “Elemental.
Soul
If you feel that “Onward” and “Coco” might not fully capture themes like loss and fantastical settings, consider watching “Soul.” For fans of Pixar’s “Elemental,” we recommend a comedy-drama titled “Soul,” featuring Jamie Foxx as an aspiring jazz musician named Joe Gardner. After his untimely demise, he endeavors to return to the world of the living to continue his musical journey and, by chance, guides an unborn soul called 22 (portrayed by Tina Fey).
In a rather unusual duo, Joe and 22 share a complex bond, although it lacks the romantic aspect, it mirrors the intricacy of Ember and Wade’s relationship in “Elemental.” Through the movie, they cultivate a mutual respect reminiscent of the elemental couple, and Joe’s compassion is echoed by 22’s latent capacity for damage. Notably, significant portions of “Soul” unfold in a realm known as the Great Before, a creatively designed location with pastel tones that matches the vibrancy of Element City.
Home
2015’s DreamWorks animated film “Home” presents an unusual twist on the familiar tale of humans concealing an extraterrestrial from authorities. Instead, the narrative begins with a massive alien invasion led by the Boov species. They relocate the entire human population to Australia and seize control of the planet.
Oh, and Tip and the character Tip pair well for comedic effect, while the main storyline in Boov involves them viewing humans as primitive beings who can be easily moved to a large theme park-like reservation. This idea is reminiscent of the struggle the society in Elemental faces when accepting fire elementals. Adding these elements to the film, along with other details that only adults might pick up on in Home, makes it an engaging piece that mirrors the hidden depths of Elemental.
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2024-10-02 15:00