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Hype Malaysia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Pixar's 'ELIO' Creatives Claim Erasure Of Queer Themes Is Reason For Film's Failure
Recently, filmmakers have pushed for more diversity in characters and casts across race, religion, sexuality, and identity. This shift helps attract broader audiences and makes stories feel more inclusive. When directors connect to the material, their films often feel more authentic and emotionally impactful. That creative bond can then shape a film's message and elevate its emotional core. However, problems arise when studios restrict that vision – and Pixar's 'ELIO' serves as a recent example. It aimed to explore self-acceptance and identity, but became a watered-down sci-fi story for kids. As a result, its deeper message felt incomplete and unfocused. Originally, the main protagonist, Elio, was meant to portray a queer-coded character to reflect the director, Adrian Molina's identity, since he is an openly gay man. He had stated that he had not intended the film to be a coming out story since Elio is only 11 years old in the film. Alternately, it was meant to be a story that many queer people could relate to, without making it seem pushed or forced onto the audience. However, reports suggested that Pixar executives were going out of their way to make sure scenes suggesting Elio's possible queer identity were softened out. Instead, they opted to subtly hint in the background that Elio had a male 'crush' and focused on making Elio grow into more of a masculine and mature character after feedback from the higher-ups. Although the movie received solid reviews, many felt it lacked the depth that Adrian's original script could have delivered. A former artist noted, 'Remove that key piece about identity, and Elio just becomes about nothing.' Another added, 'Elio was so cute and fun—he had personality. Now, he feels much more generic to me.' As a result, some artists questioned why the studio didn't protect the emotional core of the story. Later, after screening the latest cut, Pixar's chief creative officer, Pete Docter, gave Adrian critical feedback. Although the exact words remain private, sources say Adrian felt deeply offended by the remarks. Consequently, he stepped away from the project, and several team members followed soon after. According to an interview, Pete explained that Adrian had left to pursue other unnamed 'priority projects', which was later revealed to be the upcoming Pixar film 'Coco 2'. 'ELIO' had Pixar's lowest opening weekend, earning only US$20.8 million (RM87.2 million) domestically and US$14 million (RM58.7 million) overseas. Despite the disappointing numbers, executives remain hopeful. They point to 'Elemental', which also opened slowly but later found success and praise. Many critics described 'ELIO' as a 'perfectly nice kiddie sci-fi adventure,' offering faint approval without much excitement. Meanwhile, several Pixar artists have questioned why the studio didn't let Adrian tell Elio's story. As they believe, a more authentic version could have boosted box office results. Now, the team can only hope the same mistake won't happen again with 'Hoppers', Pixar's next animated film which is set to release next year. Source: The Hollywood Reporter Zaima Humaira contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Sydney Morning Herald
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Which is the best new child-meets-alien movie? We give Elio the edge
ELIO ★★★½ PG. 98 minutes Child meets alien: it's a tale as old as time, or at least a formula that goes back to E.T. Still, given that Disney and Pixar are two branches of the same company, there's something disconcerting about Pixar releasing Elio just a few weeks after Disney brought us the live-action version of Lilo & Stitch. Both films centre on a rambunctious young orphan who has trouble making human friends, but does better when extra-terrestrials are involved – and both incorporate the expected heart-tugging moments and moral lessons, along with parodies of science-fiction cliches. So which one should you or your children see? It's a matter of individual preference, but personally I'd have to give Elio the edge. Lilo & Stitch is mostly old-fashioned slapstick, though not lacking in charm. Elio is more ambitious, and also a whole lot weirder – which is a plus, though questions might be raised about the advisability of showing a child lying on a beach next to a message scrawled in the sand that reads 'ABDUCT ME,' granting he's spelled out he wants to be abducted by aliens, not just anyone. At any rate, it isn't long before young Elio (Yonas Kibreab) gets his wish. Light years away from planet Earth, he seems to have found his chosen family in a non-violent, technologically advanced collective of aliens known as the Communiverse, who accept and appreciate him as his well-meaning aunt back home (Zoe Saldana) never could. Naturally, there are complications. It's not that the members of the Communiverse are hiding anything sinister, but they've jumped to the false conclusion that Elio is Earth's leader. Rather than confess the humiliating truth, he volunteers for a dangerous diplomatic mission involving the monstrous Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett) – whose young son Glorgan (Remy Edgerly) proves to be even more of a misfit than Elio, with no true desire to move on from his larval form or join the family business of galactic conquest.
The Age
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Which is the best new child-meets-alien movie? We give Elio the edge
ELIO ★★★½ PG. 98 minutes Child meets alien: it's a tale as old as time, or at least a formula that goes back to E.T. Still, given that Disney and Pixar are two branches of the same company, there's something disconcerting about Pixar releasing Elio just a few weeks after Disney brought us the live-action version of Lilo & Stitch. Both films centre on a rambunctious young orphan who has trouble making human friends, but does better when extra-terrestrials are involved – and both incorporate the expected heart-tugging moments and moral lessons, along with parodies of science-fiction cliches. So which one should you or your children see? It's a matter of individual preference, but personally I'd have to give Elio the edge. Lilo & Stitch is mostly old-fashioned slapstick, though not lacking in charm. Elio is more ambitious, and also a whole lot weirder – which is a plus, though questions might be raised about the advisability of showing a child lying on a beach next to a message scrawled in the sand that reads 'ABDUCT ME,' granting he's spelled out he wants to be abducted by aliens, not just anyone. At any rate, it isn't long before young Elio (Yonas Kibreab) gets his wish. Light years away from planet Earth, he seems to have found his chosen family in a non-violent, technologically advanced collective of aliens known as the Communiverse, who accept and appreciate him as his well-meaning aunt back home (Zoe Saldana) never could. Naturally, there are complications. It's not that the members of the Communiverse are hiding anything sinister, but they've jumped to the false conclusion that Elio is Earth's leader. Rather than confess the humiliating truth, he volunteers for a dangerous diplomatic mission involving the monstrous Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett) – whose young son Glorgan (Remy Edgerly) proves to be even more of a misfit than Elio, with no true desire to move on from his larval form or join the family business of galactic conquest.
New York Post
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Elio' review: Pixar goes sweet and simple for its original outer space adventure
movie review ELIO Running time: 99 minutes. Rated PG (some action/peril and thematic elements). In theaters June 20. Like the 11-year-old title character of 'Elio,' Pixar's latest original is small and cute. Nothing wrong with that. Advertisement It's time to accept that gone are the days of 'WALL-E,' 'Up' and 'Ratatouille,' when the Disney-owned animation studio had a stratospherically imaginative and artful vision that once put it firmly in the Best Picture conversation. Now that the bouncing lamp's bulb is dimming, they're pumping out modest, but nonetheless charming movies such as 'Onward,' 'Luca' and 'Elio.' The new one is more likable than blobby 'Elemental' or pointless 'Lightyear' were. 'Inside Out 2' sure felt like a '2.' ET won't phone home about it, but 'Elio' is a nice, frequently rewarding 100 minutes. Advertisement There's a simple focus on feeling in the outer-space tearjerker about a lonely orphan boy who dreams of being abducted by aliens so he can finally make friends. Staring up at the stars is a powerful, timeless idea. Good enough for Galileo. 3 In Pixar's 'Elio,' a boy dreams of traveling to outer space to make friends. AP 'Is life really out there?' Elio asks his Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), an orbital analyst who works on a military base while raising her nephew, after he stumbles into a museum exhibit about the Voyager satellite. Lost and confused, he becomes obsessed with finding extraterrestrials. Advertisement One night, they find him. He's beamed up to a kind of United Nations of species — called the Communiverse — and they ask Elio to become Earth's representative, believing him to be the leader of the third rock from the sun. A couple of the aliens, an effete beetle dweeb and a ballet-dancing dragon, are cloying. I wanted Will Smith to come and punch them — a la 'Independence Day,' not the Oscars. The space station looks like a Las Vegas hotel built by a narcissistic jellyfish. 3 When he arrives, a group of aliens believe he's the leader of Earth. AP The story of mistaken identities is basically a kid-friendly 'Galaxy Quest.' Elio desperately wants to join the intergalactic club, but they'll only make him a member if he can talk scary Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), the chief of a warrior species, out of attacking the Communiverse. Advertisement Plenty of familiar bases are covered: Making your dad proud, the true meaning of family, friendship, purpose and courage, among others. In the final scene, Pixar forces us — effectively — to cry like a boot camp officer. Beyond the requisite lessons, there are some witty touches. A subplot involving a creepy Elio clone nods to the horror genre in a funny way for adults. And the twist with Grigon and his slug son Glordon is smart. 3 Elio finds a pal in wormy Glordon. AP During one bizarre montage, I'm pretty sure the 11-year-old and his friend Glordon go on a booze-soaked bender around the Communiverse and hurl into a hedge. But the drink is called 'glorg,' so who's to say what the alcohol content is? Elio travels lightyears away from home, and 'Elio' lands comfortably in the middle of the Pixar pack.
Arabian Post
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
K!DZ POP CON ASIA: Exhibitor Highlights at K!DZ POP CON 2025
21 – 22 June 2025, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1 (Halls A,B,C) From beloved characters to high-energy activities, K!DZ POP CON promises an unforgettable weekend for the kids and family. This event is proudly supported by the Singapore Tourism Board with Mediacorp as Official Media, Moove Media as Official OOH Media and NTUC First Campus as Strategic Partner. Event Details – Date: 21 – 22 June 2025 Venue: Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1, Halls A,B,C (135,000 sqft!) Watch promo video here: Get tickets: PINKFONG BABY SHARK 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Get ready to doo-doo-doo your way into fun as Baby Shark celebrates its 10-year Anniversary at K!DZ POP CON! Snap adorable memories with Baby Shark at the special 10-year Anniversary Photo Zone. Join the Lucky Draw Event for a chance to win fin-tastic Baby Shark prizes. Dive into creativity at the Coloring & Puzzle Corner, where little ones can enjoy fun coloring activities and brain-teasing puzzles. Plus, splash into the Game Zone, packed with exciting games the whole family will enjoy! Also, don't miss the exclusive Baby Shark merchandise at K!DZ POP CON! DISNEY AND PIXAR'S ELIO Get ready, Earthlings! Disney and Pixar's Elio is landing at K!DZ POP CON! Embark on an out-of-this-world adventure through a three-zone cosmic journey inspired by the all-new Elio movie! Create your very own cape and gear up for interstellar travel,dive into some colouring fun with the Elio-themed activity kit, and snap a mind-bending Trick Eye photo as you're 'beamed up' to the Communiverse. Don't forget to get hands-on with Galaxy Slime Making – a cosmic keepsake to bring home as proof of your stellar journey! Disney and Pixar's #ElioSG in cinemas 19 June 2025. MY LITTLE PONY & PEPPA PIG Get ready for a whole lot of fun and magical moments at K!DZ POP CON – with beloved Hasbro favourites PEPPA PIG and MY LITTLE PONY bringing extra joy to the event! It's a party like no other as we celebrate the most adorable news of the year – Mummy Pig's heartwarming pregnancy announcement has taken the world by storm! Now it's time to welcome the newest member of Peppa Pig's family – Evie – in a joy-filled celebration you simply can't miss! Expect laughter, games, photo-ops, and plenty of surprises as we toast to this new chapter for Peppa and her family. But that's just the beginning… MY LITTLE PONY is galloping in with a magical merch drop that will have everypony buzzing! From adorable plushies to must-have blind boxes and dazzling toys, the sparkle is REAL. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering magic for the first time, there's something for every dreamer! It's a weekend of wonder, surprises, and unforgettable moments – only at K!DZ POP CON. Don't just hear about it… BE THERE! JUMPTOPIA LITE Get ready for a bouncin' good time with Kiztopia Friends, popping up at K!DZ POP CON with two exciting inflatables, Honey's Meadow Farm and Tiger's Sports Meet, perfect for little adventurers! Watch your little ones zoom down the barnyard slide at Honey's Meadow Farm and jump into action at Tiger's Sports Meet, all while snapping their cutest photos along the way! Whether your kids are mini athletes or farmyard fans, there's non-stop fun waiting for them. Don't miss out on this family-friendly fun adventure! NTUC FIRST CAMPUS: IGNITING YOUNG MINDS THROUGH PLAY & DISCOVERY As the strategic and only preschool partner of K!DZ POP CON 2025, NTUC First Campus reinforces its position as a trusted leader in early childhood education with an inspiring, activity-packed booth for little learners and their families. Step into a vibrant showcase of their well-loved brands – My First Skool, Little Skool-House, and Changemakers! Embark on a hands-on learning journey filled with creativity, exploration, and fun! Highlights include: * Solve a case of the missing character through fun puzzles as a team * Learn about wildlife conservation through interactive displays & craft activities * Hands-on play & open-ended exploration through our Maker's Playground, where children can bring creations to life * Write your own stories & create your very own story puppets * Photobooth! Complete an adventure journey with NTUC First Campus and walk away with a complimentary gift. NTUC First Campus invites you to learn, play, and grow together at K!DZ POP CON 2025. POPULAR Join POPULAR at K!DZ POP CON for a world of fun, learning, and creativity! Discover the bestselling English children's book series—ranging from timeless classics to today's must-reads that kids adore. Don't miss the exciting selection of stationery and Bluey toys—perfect for playtime, school, or thoughtful gifting! Plus, celebrate culture with our unique selection of Wen Chuang (文创) items, suitable for all ages to discover our local heritage. VIPER KIDS Viper Kids is making its Singapore debut at K!DZ POP CON! Get your little adventurers to take on the thrilling Viper Challenge – packed with kids friendly obstacles and loads of fun! It's time to run, jump, climb, and most importantly…have a blast! See also Largest China-Russia Land Port Reinvents Itself as Industrial Hub Origame Together with Mr Kiasu, Origame will run a Shop Until You Drop Kompetition throughout the event. Mr Kiasu books and Origame games will be given away to EVERY SINGLE WINNER who plays and wins a game of Shop Until You Drop at our tables! Meet & Greet Mr Kiasu There will be special appearances by Mr Kiasu himself from 10-11am every morning! Don't miss the opportunity to come take photos with the legendary Mr Kiasu with your family and friends. Family Game Bundles Origame will also have special prices and bundles for kids and family games at K!DZ Pop Con, so look out for the cheapest prices on your favourite Origame family games! Be Part of the Fun! K!DZ Pop Con Asia is more than just an event – it's a celebration of childhood, imagination, and family bonding. Event Details – Date: 21 – 22 June 2025 Venue: Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1, Halls A,B,C (135,000 sqft!) Tickets for K!DZ POP CON 2025 are now on sale. Get tickets: Follow us on social media for the latest news: Facebook | Instagram | Website Hashtag: #K!DZ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the event organiser, Generation Experience Generation Experience is the driving force behind some of Southeast Asia's most exciting pop culture events, including Singapore Comic Con, Creators Con, and K!DZ Pop Con Asia. We bring together fans, creators, and entertainment pioneers to craft unforgettable experiences. Specializing in conceptualizing, curating, and organizing immersive events, our passionate team is led by a veteran with over 30 years of expertise in the MICE industry. With a deep understanding of fandoms and entertainment culture, Generation Experience transforms ideas into dynamic, community-driven events that captivate audiences. About NTUC First Campus NTUC First Campus (NFC) is committed to enabling bright futures for every child and their family by providing quality, inclusive educational and developmental services from infancy to the primary school years. NFC's two preschool brands, My First Skool and Little Skool-House, operate over 180 centres and serve 29,000 children, making it one of Singapore's largest early childhood care and education providers. About Mediacorp Mediacorp is Singapore's national media network and largest content creator. Its purpose is to create engaging and trusted content, as well as to connect communities and inspire people. Mediacorp engages over three million people in Singapore daily across four languages on its digital platforms including mewatch, melisten and six TV channels and 11 radio stations. Beyond Singapore, Mediacorp also has a growing international audience through CNA and content distributed across markets.
