Elio review

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Elio

Space, Aliens, and Awkward Kids – What More Could You Want?”

Okay, okay, Elio is a complete mood and I’m HERE for it. I mean, imagine being a super shy kid and suddenly getting zapped into space by aliens who think you’re THE ambassador of Earth. Like, talk about an awkward school day. But here we are, and Elio’s intergalactic adventure is one for the history books. It’s got aliens, starships, a clueless protagonist, and a whole lot of laughs. And, of course, it’s Pixar, so it hits right in the feels too. This movie has EVERYTHING.

Let’s dive into it, shall we?

The Plot: Kid Gets Kidnapped by Aliens, and it’s HILARIOUS

So here’s the deal: Elio Solis is your average 11-year-old — he’s a gamer, kind of a loner, and has zero interest in making friends. Oh, and did I mention he has a mom who works in some super-secret government alien division? Yeah, casual. Anyway, one day, Elio gets sucked up into a spaceship by a group of aliens (totally unintentional, BTW), and they all think he’s Earth’s chosen representative. Like, NO PRESSURE, right?

Elio spends the whole movie freaking out, trying to convince everyone that he’s definitely not the ambassador, while navigating intergalactic politics (lol, not a thing he signed up for). The whole thing is like if Futurama and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy had a baby — and I mean that in the best way possible.

Aliens, Starships, and All the Weirdness You Could Ever Want

Can we talk about the aliens for a second? They’re SO fun! We’re talking alien blobs, talking jellybeans, and even some totally sentient crystals. It’s like Pixar took all the best, weirdest aliens from sci-fi movies and crammed them into one room. The designs are crazy cool and so creative that you’ll find yourself pausing the movie just to examine every little detail. And the starships? Let’s just say that the space vehicles in this movie are what every sci-fi fan dreams about. Like, I want one of those ships to be in my backyard right now. Can we make that happen, Pixar?

Seriously, the visuals in this movie are next level. From the alien council chamber to the futuristic cities, Elio takes you on a whirlwind tour of space that will make your inner sci-fi nerd jump for joy. It’s like a visual feast — everything is colorful, imaginative, and just weird enough to be totally awesome.

The Music: A Totally Cosmic Soundtrack That’ll Have You Groovin’

I don’t know who at Pixar decided that Elio needed a soundtrack that would make you feel like dancing through space, but thank you. The music in this movie is straight-up VIBES. There are parts where you just wanna do a little happy dance in your living room because it’s that good. There’s a mix of playful, quirky tunes when Elio is figuring stuff out and some emotional music that makes you wanna hug your dog (or in my case, my plush alien toy, don’t judge).

Also, shoutout to Michael Giacchino for making the score sound so spacey and fun. I swear, there’s an entire track that sounds like it’s straight out of a Star Wars cantina, and I live for it.

Elio and the Crew: The Kid, The Mom, and the Aliens Who Lowkey Steal the Show

Okay, Elio is a little bit of a disaster, and that’s what makes him so relatable. He’s socially awkward, constantly tripping over his words, and somehow ends up at the center of an alien crisis. Basically, every kid who’s ever been awkward in social situations is probably nodding their head like, “Yup, that’s me.” But as the movie goes on, Elio starts to find his voice and realize that sometimes, being a little bit of a mess is exactly what the universe needs.

And then there’s Olga, Elio’s super-smart mom, who works in the super-secret alien agency (okay, can I please have her job?). She’s the opposite of Elio — calm, collected, and totally in control — which makes their dynamic hilarious. There’s a moment where Olga just casually throws out some alien facts, and I’m sitting there thinking, “I would definitely sign up for alien government work if it meant having that much cool knowledge.”

As for the aliens, they’re honestly the best part. From the grumpy one who looks like a squishy tomato to the wise-cracking crystalline one who’s basically the alien version of your sarcastic aunt — I’m obsessed. They make the movie feel like one big cosmic party, and every time they’re on screen, it’s like the fun meter gets turned up to 11.

Themes: Finding Yourself (Even in Space)

Now, while Elio is mostly just a fun ride through the cosmos, it actually has a lot of heart. The movie is all about finding your place in the universe, even if you don’t have a clue what you’re doing. Elio starts off being totally freaked out by the responsibility of being Earth’s representative, but by the end, he learns that it’s okay to not have all the answers. And let’s be real, we could all use that reminder from time to time.

Final Thoughts: If You Like Space, Aliens, and Laughing A LOT, Watch This Movie

So, in conclusion — Elio is a blast. It’s a wild, funny, and totally heartwarming adventure that will have you laughing, crying, and probably wishing for your own alien friends. It’s one of those movies that makes you feel like a kid again, all wide-eyed and full of wonder about the possibilities of space.

If you’re into aliens, starships, and just having a good time, you NEED to check this out. And honestly, if Pixar ever wants to make a sequel, I’m first in line to see what weird, hilarious aliens Elio gets to meet next. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of space travel and hoping for a jellybean-shaped alien best friend. 

Pros

  • The aliens are SO fun and weird — basically everything you want from a Pixar movie
  • Elio is super relatable as the awkward kid who doesn’t want to be a hero (but ends up being one anyway)
  • The animation is gorgeous, with crazy cool starships and out-of-this-world alien designs
  • The soundtrack is catchy and totally sets the space adventure vibe

Cons

  • Some parts drag a little in the middle, especially during those alien council meetings (I mean, I get it, but still...)
  • There could’ve been even more alien weirdness, but that’s just me being greedy
  • Elio’s school friends feel kinda left out — would’ve loved to see more of them

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