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Exploring the Flares and Flaws of Pixar’s ‘Elemental’

Pixar’s ‘Elemental’ recently got released in India and people have mixed reviews on it considering the studio’s legacy. Scroll down to read our review of the film.

Pixar studio has a reputation of giving us all some of the best animated adventures of all time. Their movies have the power to make people of all ages cry big tears but the studio seems to be finding it difficult to maintain the high standard it is known for from the past few years. Their recently released movie “Elemental” is surely an emotional and thrilling film but for so many it didn’t match the expectations. The story revolves around Ember Lumen, a girl made of fire who lives with her family and helps her father run his shop and how she fell in love with Wade, a man made of water. The concept is what you think it is. It took a metaphorical question of how can fire and water fall in love? At first, we saw Ember being enthusiastic about running the shop and how she wants to take over the responsibility but it gets revealed later that she did not want to do it and was just afraid to tell this to her family. Hearing just this much about the plot might help you understand and predict most of the movie. Just a few minutes in and by the visuals, pace, themes and characters, you’ll find a lot of the things familiar about it. But that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t an enjoyable watch.

Trailer of Pixar’s Elemental

Things we liked about Pixar’s Elemental: 

How it addresses the inner conflicts – 

It brings out the most common themes we have seen in movies about immigrant families. How the elderly have worked so hard to give their children a good life in a big city after leaving their home and working tirelessly. In such cases, the children often are under pressure to perform, do well and stand up to the expectations of their parents. In the case of Ember, she knew that her father would be proud of her only when she did her best to run the shop which also included keeping her “temper” under control. “Be nice and make connections”,she repeats whenever she encounters a problematic customer or situation. In such cases, children are scared to communicate about their feelings to their parents as the fear of letting them down is overwhelming. But in Ember’s case, she told herself that she wanted this for such a long time that she forgot or never knew what she actually wanted. The film highlights our inner conflicts when it comes to choosing for ourselves. 

It’s not always black or white: 

Another important theme that the film explores is hate for people who are different from you. Throughout the movie the hate for water people by the fire people has been explored especially through Ember’s father. But good or bad people can exist in any community but that doesn’t mean that all the pre-existing notions distract us from seeing good in people.Ember’s life gets turned around when she falls in love with Wade and how the chemistry between them has been shown in the film is visually stunning. 

Snippet from the film “Elemental”

Reasons why it couldn’t be the best piece of Pixar – 

Flashbacks weren’t strong enough to leave an emotional impact – 

In animation, we get to understand and connect with the character with the flashback scenes and Pixar is known for some good ones. My personal favorite has been the flashback stories from the movie “Coco”, specially the scene where we see the childhood of grandma Coco where her father played that special song for her. In the case of elemental, we did not get to see many strong flashbacks except the one where the father goes against the will of his family and leaves the fire town. He bows down in respect of his father but his father couldn’t see anything past his disappointment. Another flashback scene included Ember’s childhood memory when she could not see a special kind of flowers as fire people were not allowed in the museum shows how the community was discriminated which would have made a good teary flashback story but it was all poorly executed and would have become much better if it was given enough time. There weren’t many such scenes in the film that made it harder for us to connect with the characters. 

Dialogues and some events in the film were more concerned about giving out the information than to feel real

Dialogues play an important role in keeping the audience invested in the film and the characters. There weren’t many dialogues that could move you in the film. Like the scene where Wade interrupts the Ember’s party was supposed to be a touching moment. There was a room for a good monologue or a conflict but it all gets wasted with average writing. In the film, Up (2009), when Carl read the diary of Ellie where it’s written that “Everyday was an adventure with you” This line wouldn’t be this much impactful if Ellie’s love for adventure wasn’t explored earlier in the film. In the case of elemental, it falls flat when it comes to well-written scenes and dialogues. 

Snippet from the film, Elemental

Conclusion: 

Elemental isn’t a bad movie but considering the legacy of Pixar, it is far from being the studio’s best film. Somewhere you might think if the love angle of the film is forced and it would have been much better if it just explored the inner conflicts and communication gap in the family. The plot was predictable, dialogues were stuffy but apart from that it still is a good watch if you’re looking for something light. 

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Events

The Most Memorable Highlights from the 2025 Academy Awards

Surprises, Stunning Wins, and Emotional Tributes – The 2025 Oscars Had It All. Catch Up with All the Highlights.

The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night of triumphs and surprises that had the attention of audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was lively, full of humor, and celebrated the diversity and creativity of cinema from all around the world. This year’s ceremony stood out for its focus on inclusivity and representation, highlighting the growing diversity and global reach of the film industry. It was also about recognizing talent and stories from across the globe, signaling a shift in how the Academy values the changing trends in filmmaking. 

Historic Wins for Anora

Anora dominates the Oscars as Mikey Madison named best actress and Adrien Brody wins for The Brutalist | Oscars | The Guardian

The evening’s biggest winner was undoubtedly Anora, an indie film that took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Sean Baker’s direction was celebrated with a Best Director win, making him only the second person in history to win four individual Oscars in a single night, joining the ranks of Walt Disney. But the film’s success didn’t end there—Mikey Madison, portraying a sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, secured Best Actress. At just 25, Madison made history as the ninth youngest actress to win the prestigious award. The triumph of Anora was a testament to its sweeping storytelling, captivating performances, and fresh perspective in filmmaking.

Zoë Saldaña and Paul Tazewell Breaking Barriers

The night also saw a series of groundbreaking wins that reflected Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity and diversity. Zoë Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win was not only a recognition of her immense talent but also an important milestone for the representation of marginalized voices in the film industry.

Zoe Saldaña wins best supporting actress Oscar for 'Emilia Pérez' | AP News

Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell took home Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category, making a significant mark on the history of the Academy Awards.

Paul Tazewell Makes Oscar History│ConnectComm

Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win

Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'The Brutalist'

Another highlight of the evening was Adrien Brody, who secured Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Brody’s win, marking his second Oscar, was well-deserved after delivering a deeply compelling and nuanced performance. His emotional portrayal in the film left a lasting impact on both critics and audiences, making his victory one of the night’s most celebrated moments in the acting categories.

A Heartfelt Musical Tribute by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open Oscars 2025 With a Magical Medley of Songs From Oz | Vanity Fair

The musical performances were another standout feature of the night. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a touching tribute to Los Angeles, which was recovering from the devastating wildfires. Their renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Defying Gravity left the audience in awe, showcasing the emotional power of music and its ability to unite and heal. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded everyone of the strength of the city and the spirit of resilience.

Adam Sandler’s Quirky Fashion Moment

Adam Sandler pulled yet another Adam Sandler at the Oscars; Here's what he wore - The Times of India

In true Oscar tradition, the night wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Adam Sandler became the talk of social media when he showed up to the ceremony in gym shorts. Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist poking fun at Sandler’s unconventional choice, adding humor to the event. The quirky fashion moment quickly became a viral topic, sparking discussions about casual red carpet looks and how even the most unexpected outfits can become part of the Oscar narrative.

Controversies and Unexpected Upsets

Not everything went smoothly, though. The night also saw some controversies that added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings. One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Iranian co-director Hossein Molayemi interrupted his partner, Shirin Sohani, during their acceptance speech for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Molayemi’s actions were met with backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for overshadowing Sohani’s moment. The ceremony also saw a surprising upset in the Best Actress category when Demi Moore, who was widely favored to win for her role in The Substance, lost out to Mikey Madison. This unexpected loss left many questioning the voting choices and added to the evening’s fair share of shocking moments.

Despite the controversies, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night that reflected both the changing tides of the industry and the enduring power of film.

Also Read: Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Microsoft to discontinue Skype by May, Best Highlights from the Milan Fashion Week

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Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Talkworthy Highlights from the 82nd Golden Globes Awards, Disney’s Merger with FuboTV and Much More

Read on as we break down the biggest pop culture moments you don’t want to miss. 

Pop culture has a way of keeping us on our toes, doesn’t it? Every week, there’s something new to talk about—whether it’s a jaw-dropping red-carpet moment, a groundbreaking announcement, or just a story that makes you stop and think. It’s what keeps our group chats buzzing and our feeds endlessly scrollable. Read on as we unpack the most buzzworthy highlights of the week.

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, was a night to remember, hosted by Nikki Glaser. One of the most significant moments of the night was Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first trans nominee in a Golden Globe 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards in a solo category. She was nominated for Best Actress in a leading role for her role in Emilia Pérez. 

Another highlight came from Demi Moore, who won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Substance. During her speech, she shared a personal story about a time in her career when a producer told her she was just a “popcorn actress,” which made her doubt herself. Despite facing those challenges, she found new inspiration through The Substance, describing the script as “magical” and “bold.” It was a powerful and emotional moment for Demi, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight.

Seems like the peplum style, popular in the 2010s, is also making a return. Celebrities like Rihanna, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing peplum designs. At the 82nd Golden Globes, stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Anna Sawai showcased this trend, signaling its resurgence. While some millennials express mixed feelings about its return, others appreciate its flattering effect on various body types.

Family Guy” Returns to Adult Swim: 

After a hiatus, “Family Guy” reruns have returned to Adult Swim for the first time since 2021. This follows a non-exclusive deal for the rights to older episodes, bringing the beloved animated series back to its original late-night home.

Disney and FuboTV Merger:

Disney has agreed to merge Hulu + Live TV with FuboTV, aiming to enhance their streaming offerings. This merger is expected to provide subscribers with a more comprehensive and diverse range of content, consolidating their streaming services under one umbrella.

The Tamil film, “Maharaja” Gains Unexpected Popularity in China

Mahraja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, has unexpectedly become a hit in China. The Tamil film’s emotional storyline, centered around a father-daughter relationship, has resonated with Chinese audiences. Its success marks a rare achievement for a South Indian film in the international market, showcasing the global appeal of its narrative and Vijay Sethupathi’s performance.

Also Read: Emerging Fashion Designers India Contest Season 2 Put Budding Talent in the Spotlight

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Dorsia, Gurgaon’s One Of The Biggest BYOBs

Dorcia Gurgaon

Word on the Street: Dorsia, a captivating 21,000 sq. ft. BYOB, is open now on the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, conveniently located near Golf Course Road. This new hotspot offers an escape from the Delhi-Gurgaon trrafic, making it easily accessible.

BYOB? Absolutely—but not in the way you might expect. At Dorsia, you bring the bottle, and the talented mixologists will elevate your drinks to new heights. Your liquor has never tasted this extraordinary! This isn’t just another dining spot, it’s an ultimate escape—original, essential, and truly memorable.

By day, Dorsia is your peaceful retreat, featuring a nature-inspired vibe straight out of Ubud, Bali. It’s the perfect spot to pop open your laptop and find a cozy nook or just kick back with a calming lunch in a beautiful setting. But when the sun sets, the place comes alive! With electrifying EDM, techno, and hip-hop nights, Dorsia transforms into the ultimate party hub where the fun never stops. Diners will arrive for the tasty bites and stick around for the lively atmosphere! With BYOB cocktails and an inviting ambiance, Dorsia is poised to take over the scene—one delicious plate at a time.

Also Read : – The NOU Walk Of Life : New Talk of Town in Luxury Footwear

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