ELEMENTAL AT THE EL CAPITAN
It was so wonderful to be back at the iconic Hollywood movie theatre, El Capitan, last night! I would have been happy to return there for any reason, but the especially joyful occasion was Fan Night for the new Disney Pixar animated film, Elemental.
And because it’s such a limited engagement, I would not be insulted if you skipped right to the bottom of this review to go to the theatre’s website to order your tickets before another moment passes! If you rush out to see it tonight, it’s in 3D, which is how I saw it. Some of the upcoming showings are in 3D, as well. But it’s a special film even in 2D; the end credits are like that, and they’re beautiful.
Karen Salkin and Marc Winer, (they’re over to the right,) looking deliriously happy to be hanging with the “cast” of Elemental! Photo by El Capitan staff.
As to the El Capitan itself, (which is still my favorite movie theatre,) the last time I had been there was just a few days before the pandemic-induced shutdown of Los Angeles, so it had been over a three-year hiatus for me. Once the world began opening up again, so did the El Capitan, however, I’ve been extra-cautious, so I hadn’t attended any of their several films since then. But the pull of Elemental was too much for me to resist, so off I went.
Some of the new El Capitan popcorn tubs. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.
And I’m thrilled I did! The entire experience was just as fun as ever! All of their Fan Events are excellent, and always offer complimentary items such as popcorn in a colorful tub and a beverage, (including a bottle of water, which I always appreciate because I don’t drink anything else,) but this time there are even more surprises. Being a major sports fan, I’m excited that we each received a mini basketball hoop (and ball) with the Elemental logo. (And tonight, June 16th, there’s an even better surprise gift!)
But no matter which date you go on, there are fabulous and colorful photo ops for everyone. I counted about three or four of them, which my friend Marc and I were more than happy to take advantage of. You get to take your own pix at a couple of the areas, (including sitting on a bench with the “cast!,”) and there’s a special one that’s manned by the El Capitan staff.
Karen Salkin sitting on a bench with her Elemental pals, chomping at the bit to start eating her El Capitan popcorn! (And Ember looks none too happy that Karen is moving in on Wade!) Photo by Marc Winer.
You can always snap away after the show, as well, but please make sure to arrive early, and get settled in your seats on time before the movie, because there are wonderful pre-show activities.
First up is Rob Richards playing the famous El Capitan organ. His repertoire of Disney classics, (many written by own pal, the wonderful Richard Sherman,) is not to be missed. Marc loved singing along, and the two of us had a friendly contest to see who could name each tune in the fewest notes!
When Rob takes his bow and descends from the stage, still playing away, the cute H2Whoah Dance Show begins. (And ends with a bang, which I won’t spoil for you.) And then the new animated short, Disney and Pixar’s Carl’s Date, is shown. Marc’s a major dog lover, so he went nuts over it. It’s all so much fun.
Part of the pre-movie H2Whoah Dance Show. Photo by Karen Salkin.
And let’s not forget about the main event, Elemental. The film is so engrossing that I didn’t even remember to take one note to share with you! When I opened my purse upon arriving home, I was actually surprised to see my blank note pad—it didn’t occur to me for even one second to take notes during the enchanting and clever film!
The voice of Ember, the star of the movie, belongs to Nancy Drew‘s Leah Lewis, and she’s perfect. The whole thing is a delight. But Marc insists that I mention that if you bring children, please let them know that fire is still always dangerous, and to never try to touch it. I agree, but please do so after they see the movie, so they don’t have any concerns during it.
The adorable mini basketball-and-hoop gift the El Capitan gave to fans on the first Fan Night of Elemental. Photo by Karen Salkin.
And speaking of children, I was uber-impressed that the ones at the show we were at were all incredibly well-behaved! As a former elementary school teacher, I was surprised and very pleased by that. They didn’t call out or act restless, and all of them laughed hard in the right places. Even the few babies in attendance didn’t cry! And I was elated to see how many people stayed for the entire credits! That’s the power of a good movie. (And excellent parenting!)
As someone who skipped the entire awards screening season in theatres, I have to tell you that, for those of us living in, or visiting, SoCal, the El Capitan is the only place to see Elemental! So please take this brief opportunity to do so!
Elemental at the El Capitan running through June 26, 2023
www.elcapitantheatre.com
