"Elemental" teaches and entertains via Pixar’s animation

Pixar Animation Studios has earned a reputation for embedding positive messages in entertaining stories populated by quirky, endearing characters. Their latest “Elemental” continues that tradition in another clever setting with distinctive individuals. The central young women Ember moves with her parents, Bernie and Cinder, to Element City where, in separate enclaves, the four elements live: fire, water, air, and earth.

Through a disastrous water pipe eruption, Ember Lumen and Wade Ripple, from the dominant water community, meet and must surreptitiously pursue strategies to repair the leaks to quash multiple citations from an Air representative. The ending is never in doubt, but, of course, the fun is the journey to it. Though slow to get rolling and bogged down at times, details are inventive. For example, Amber has a recurring anger management problem that erupts repeatedly, causing destructive outcomes. Pressured to reflect on it, she eventually realizes that her temper tantrums are trying to tell her something.

Indeed, they are. Bernie and Cinder assume she will take over their convenience store, The Fireplace. It is not Ember’s goal or a path to her self-fulfillment. As a dutiful daughter, she struggles to accept this legacy while her subconscious rebels in counter-productive ways. But events should speak for themselves despite admirable encouragement for cross cultural acceptance injected at opportune moments. A bigoted Bernie and others must learn this lesson, especially opening their hearts to émigrés and assimilation.

Nevertheless, nothing becomes too tedious in the energetic plot trajectory. Technically, the colors are breathtaking, neon and vibrant as the personas shape shift. Thomas Newman’s music adds a breezy score. And the voice talent handles the witty dialogue with ease. Director Peter Sohn told “The Hollywood Reporter” that “’Elemental’ is about thanking your parents and understanding their sacrifices.” That comes through but children will probably enjoy the busy interplay more than adults.

The animated short “Carl’s Date,” featuring the inimitable vocal talent of the late Ed Asner, precedes “Elemental.” Popular from his adventures in “Up,” now Carl, still missing his late wife Ellie, accepts a first date with no idea how to prepare for it. His trusty dog Dug advises and encourages him in this amusing, shared anxiety over a new, potentially romantic adventure.

From Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios, “Carl’s Date” and “Elemental” screen at area cinemas.