At this point Pixar has done every kind of story imaginable that have all had some kind of impact, from toys that come alive when they aren’t seen by humans, to cars that can talk, and even Rats that can cook in an executive kitchen. With their latest release Pixar is taking audiences to a fantastical world where magic has been pushed away because of modern living (electricity, cars, suburban life, etc.) and where two brothers go on the adventure of all adventures. The movie features the talented voices of Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer as they all bring the charisma and charm to their characters. Looking at how this movie was developed and created it really starts and ends with the director Dan Scanlon and the incredibly personal touches that influenced Onward. Scanlon and his older brother were both very young when they lost their father and this movie was very much a love letter to how he felt about his father and the rest of his family. They’re were certain parts in the movie that you can really see the personal touch that was placed into this film.
One of the things I enjoyed seeing was the way that magic was used and established in the film, as during the time of the main story magic is almost archaic as the world has advanced so much. Without going into spoilers the story is pretty simple, Ian Lightfoot (Holland) is shy and nervous but is stronger than he looks, who never got to see his father when he was alive. While his older brother Barley (Pratt) is a magic fanatic who is never afraid of anyone or anything and is always speaking in a grand and triumphant way. They are both the anchors to the film as the majority of the time is spent with their journey to see their dad one last time. If you saw the trailer you see how magical the movie really is in certain parts, especially with the state that the father is in. The way that the father is used provided a lot of comedy and some of the most heartfelt moments in the story that struck all the emotional cords. This movie has so much emotion but it doesn’t feel forced, and it feels very natural. Overall I really enjoyed this original, yet familiar story from the Pixar group. This is Disney’s first big movie of the year and it is certainly worth the time, especially if you are close with your father or brother. I’m excited to see what else Pixar has coming in the upcoming year and beyond!
The Verdict