Onward Film Review

Directed by Dan Scanlon

Starring: : Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Rated PG for action/peril and some mild thematic elements

Onward is the newest Pixar film in which two brothers go on a quest to see their deceased father. On his 16th birthday, Ian (voiced by Tom Holland) is given a magical spell on how to bring back his deceased father. After failing to bring him back completely, Ian and his brother, Barley (voiced by Chris Pratt), go on an adventure to completely bring back their father before time runs out.

The animation in Onward is quite stunning, as is the order for Pixar films. Every detail that is placed in the animation makes the world of magic seem very realistic. For example, Barley is a character who has some facial hair and it is noticeable on his face. It’s a small detail to point out but it goes to prove how much time and passion the animators put into the film. Regardless if a Pixar film is hit or miss, the animation in it is always in top form.

The two main characters in the film are voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, who have great chemistry on screen. Holland is exceptional as the voice of Ian, who really shines in the third act. Holland perfectly voices a shy 16 year old boy who just wants to see his father for one day only. Ian’s brother, Barley, is the opposite of Ian, in which he is not shy and is always wanting to go on a adventure. In our world, he would be a stereotypical dungeons and dragons player who rides in a van who listens to rock music. A part of me feels like this role should have played by Jack Black. Pratt does a great job voicing the character, but the entire time I just envisioned Jack Black perfectly doing the voice work. In addition to Holland and Pratt, Julia Louis- Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer also voice two characters who are trying to find Ian and Barley. They are both hilarious and every moment they are on screen, they both shine.

Onward is certainly a fun and enjoyable film. The first two acts of the film certainly as its moments, but things really pick up in the final act. And while it is an enjoyable film, the film does have emotional moments that may make anyone tear up. When the film presents the emotional moments, it is well done. It doesn’t need the sappy music or heavy dialogue that films try to add. All it needs is the facial work the characters express. The final 10 minutes of the film show that no words are needed to make the audience cry.

Onward is not the best film from Pixar, but it is still a well done film. The cast in the film do an excellent job portraying their characters. It’s an enjoyable film that has fun stored within it. In a world filled with magical creatures and spells, Onward still manages to have a human connection.

3/4