REVIEW: ELIO

3.5/5

To Infinity...And Beyond

98 Mins. Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Matthias Schweighöfer, Brad Garrett & Jameela Jamil. Screenplay: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer & Mike Jones. Director: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi & Adrian Molina. On: Disney +.

The only movies more concerned with family, than Disney, are ones starring Vin Diesel. And we're rooting for Pixar's Summer movie 'Elio', now it makes its Disney Plus streaming debut, one week after the 'First Steps' of Marvel's 'Fantastic Four'. Armed with a colander as a space helmet, and a blanket as his superhero cape, Elio is one kid who has been through it...and we're not talking about the eye patch, either. Losing both his parents (there Disney goes again), and now an orphan, this young boy lives with Olga, his aunt. An Air Force major who has given up her NASA dreams to take care of her nephew. But this astro boy looks to the stars too. Wishing upon them, or hoping to find a whole new world out there. Tuning into his ham radio, Elio actually wants to be abducted by aliens. Obviously, he's never seen 'Independence Day'.

In this lovely movie, directed by the Disney big-three of Madeline Sharafian ('Burrow'), Domee Shi ('Turning Red') and Adrian Molina ('Coco'), off a script from the trio of Julia Cho ('Turnign Red' again), Mark Hammer and Mike Jones ('Soul'), young Yonas Kibreab voices are intrepid explorer in a breakout role. Yet the real star, or voice, of the show is 'Emilia Perez' Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña (of the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy', 'Avatar' and 'Star Trek' franchise films) as an amazing aunt, we all know well. 'Elio' also stars Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Matthias Schweighöfer, Brad Garrett and 'The Good Place' of Jameela Jamil in a fond and favourable film that will remind you of everything from 'Super 8' and the 'Flight Of The Navigator', nuance in nostalgia, to Disney's own 'Lilo & Stitch', 'WALL-E' and 'Coco' for its dedication to family gone, but still living on in the devotion of our hearts.

And the magic of science, like that Mexican music, as 'Elio', like 'Luca', goes interstellar on his voyage. One where he meets some of the cutest creatures and sentient beings that won't have you scared of creepy crawlies, or even A.I. any more. Especially when they swaddle you, or call you by their name. Going intergalactic like the Beastie Boys, this kid is one hell of a heaven sent ambassador. Especially when he negotiates around potential star wars with the cutest bargaining chip. 'Elio' may have underperformed at the box-office, but what doesn't these days (Disney' 'Tron: Ares', we're looking in your direction)? Yet now it finds a home on the earthbound Disney Plus, this film about social isolation is set to breakout like adolescent acne. This attack of the clones even gives you a thumbs up 'Terminator' reference in a film chocolate chocked full of Easter eggs that will have you crying with laughter (I promise...it's laughter). So salute this film that is pure fan and family service. Um-Earth will never be the same. Okay, bye. I love you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Flight Of The Navigator', 'Lilo & Stitch', 'WALL-E'