Review 555: Onward

Onward is far from Pixar's best, but it's a solidly entertaining  that provides a touching reminisce on childhood and those we've lost.

In a suburband fantasy world, Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt), two teenage elf brothers embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there.

While the plot may lack the imagination of previous Pixar efforts, it elevates itself with a surprising amount of emotional heft. The brotherly bond between Ian and Barley is easily the emotional core of this film. Although Onward follows the tried and tested quest narrative, their relationship provides a strong emotional heft

One of the films more intelligent aspects is its social commentary on how technology has effected us. The world that Ian and Barley inhabit used to be infused with magic but now that technology has advanced, that magic has become much more obselete to the point of almost being discarded.

Things, unfortunately, begin to fall apart in the "climax" where things become rather ridiculous and contrived. It didn't feel like it gelled with the rest of the film and something that was put into the film due to studio mandate.

Writer/director Dan Scanlon's direction is sensitively sharp, keeping the 103 minute light and breezy including crafting some scenes that easily evoke inspiration from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The score by Mychael and Jeff Danna is majestic, the production design is splendid, the character design is creative, it goes by at a fairly brisk pace, there are some truly clever visual gags sprinkled throughout

Tom Holland and Chris Pratt are certified stars thanks to their roles as Spider-Man and Star-Lord in the MCU and they bring a much required amount of  to their roles.

Pratt in particular is a standout playing Barley Lightfoot clearly channeling his inner Jack Black. He is a huge gammer, believes in everything to do with magic

Julia Louis-Dreyfus provides a great deal of warmth and  playing Laurel Lightfoot, the mother of Ian and Barley

Octavia Spencer is a hoot playing Corey the Manticore. Once a legendary adventurer, she's now content to simply running the family business

3/5.

The Anonymous Critic.