Onward
Starring: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer
Directed By: Dan Scanlon
Rated: PG
There’s nothing like a mythical quest to celebrate your 16th birthday! At least that’s how Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) celebrates in Onward, Pixar’s latest film. Ian lives with his mom and brother Barley (Chris Pratt) in the city of New Mushroomton. Their town was once inhabited by magic, but the people have stopped using magic and settled into a life of suburbia.
After Ian’s 16th birthday gets off to a shaky start, his mom reveals that his late father left something special behind. When Ian and Barley were both over 16, their dad wanted them to have something from him. It’s a wizard staff with a spell that will bring him back to life for one day so he can see his sons. The two try to make the spell work, but it only brings back their father’s legs. The struggle. That can only mean one thing. The two brothers must set out on a quest to find a stone that will complete the spell and bring back their dad. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, a lot could go wrong! The two could encounter some angry fairies in a biker gang, a mysterious manticore (voiced by a hilarious Octavia Spencer), and a dragon awakened by a curse. Ian and Barley have it under control, though. They’ve been waiting for a quest like this all of their lives.
Like most Pixar films, Onward does an excellent job of world-building. There’s a very clever blend of the modern fairytale world that lets the film have elements that are magical and some that are grounded in reality. Seeing unicorns, centaurs, and elves walk around in a regular modern-day high school is a creative idea that is well executed. Small details like the Lightfoot family pet being a dragon instead of a dog is an adorable addition to the setting.
Tom Holland and Chris Pratt lend some well-done voice work to their characters, Ian and Barley. Holland captures the nervous energy of a teen who just wants to be a little bit bolder. Pratt is the goofy older brother who seems to be fearless in the face of danger. Their opposing personalities compliment each other well as they work through all of the obstacles that they face.
The relationship between the two siblings is the core of the film, showcasing the importance of family coming together and problem-solving amid life’s obstacles. It’s a good lesson to see while we’re going this time of social distancing and quarantine. The film also tackles grief in a mature way that both kids and adults can relate to.
Although I enjoyed this movie a lot, there is an aspect to it that does bother me. It’s more about Pixar than the film itself. I’ve said it in previous reviews, and I’m going to say it again. Pixar will not stop making the same movie with different characters, and it’s driving me slightly insane. This has been going on since the 90s! Two friends (or relatives) have to go on a crazy journey to find something and encounter a series of obstacles. Which Pixar movie did I just explain? Were you thinking of Finding Nemo? Great job! You’re right. We’re you thinking Toy Story? You’re right again! Did you think of Monsters Inc? Well, that’s also the correct answer. I also would accept Inside Out, Finding Dory, and Coco. Please Pixar, FIND A NEW PLOT STRUCTURE! I guess when the formula works, don’t mess with it, but it would be nice to see the company change things up a little sometimes.
While I get frustrated with Pixar repeating the same story structure in every movie, they still manage to find the magic and reel me in every time. During this crazy time in the world, it was nice to escape into Ian and Barley’s magical quest filled with fairies, centaurs, and manticores. Onward may not be groundbreaking, but it is charming and fun entertainment with heart.
My Rating: 7/10