Olga is a typical movie mom, overworked and too stressed to really see her nephew until it becomes important to the narrative. But Saldana voices her with lots of personality. Cast members add humour and emotion to create distinct characters. Garrett is particularly strong as the blustery Grigon, revealing layers under the surface. This sits in contrast to the boys who bully Elio (voiced by Gilmer and Getman), who have unrealised potential to be more complex figures here. Oddly, Elio's eyepatch is a random story point that's never integrated.

In other words, this film is entertaining and often very funny, but it isn't memorable in its own right. It looks and feels like Pixar's recent output, most notably the Inside Out movies, and never finds much to say about the ideas it raises. Still, these are important topics, and they're addressed with a lightness that never overeggs the tender moments in the story. So the movie leaves us with a tear in the eye and a smile on our faces. The question is how long we'll remember it.

themes, violence

15.Jun.25

R E A D E R   R E V I E W S

Still waiting for your comments ... don't be shy.