Pixar's latest animated film sets in a fantasy world filled with magic and enchantment, that has been transformed into suburbia, with more convenience and modern technology that has led the land astray from its mystical roots and heritage. "Onward" follows Ian (voice of Tom Holland), an awkward, lonely teenage elf, and his headstrong, brother Barley (voiced of Chris Pratt), who live with their widowed mother, Laurel (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). On Ian's 16th birthday, he is given a wizard's staff as a gift, that was passed on from his deceased father, who had died before he was born. Ian and Barley discover that the staff was given by their dad to magically bring him back with a temporary, 24-hour spell, so that he could get to see his sons grown up. However, when the spell rebounds and only partially succeeds, the brothers set off on a quest to find a way to fully bring their father back to life and see him one more time before the magic fades away.
"Onward" is a fun family film, and while I don't personally think it's one of Pixar's best works (it's more in the realm of "Brave" and "Cars 3" on my scale), it definitely shines in many moments, particularly in its third act. Tom Holland and Chris Pratt have great chemistry in their vocal performances, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer are awesome as well. The story and world-building is fascinating, and the animation is beautiful as expected from Pixar. While the humor occasionally falls flat at times, the film's biggest strength comes from the core elements of the story, the relationship between the brothers and their dad, and the heartfelt morals of love, courage and growing up. Pixar Animation Studios have scored another win with this charming and heartwarming fantasy adventure. Take the family and check it out in theatres now!
Rating: 3.8/5
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