In a suburban fantasy world, two elven brothers embark on a quest
for a magical stone that will help them cast a very important spell. FAMILY/FANTASY
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Onward (2020)Directed by Dan Scanlon
Written by Dan Scanlon, Jason Headley, Keith Bunin Starring Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer, Mel Rodriguez, Kyle Bornheimer, Lena Waithe, Ali Wong Oscar Nominations - Best Animated Film |
It’s safe to say there is a certain level of quality expected when going into a Disney/Pixar production. Gorgeous animation, quality storytelling, and a heartwarming message. Since their debut with Toy Story, they have maintained this level of quality for well over two decades. Movies that have been at the forefront of what one can do with animated films while telling stories both children and adults can enjoy. Because of this, there are now several classic films by them that I have cherished since my childhood. It’s also why I continue to see their films well into my late 20's. Hence, I ended up watching Onward. Their latest film which continues the very same track record of quality I was just talking about. A movie which embodies everything that makes a Disney/Pixar film so great.
So, the animation quality. This has to be one of the most beautiful films done by them so far. The colors pop, characters move fluidly, and everything just feels like could be real. This is one of the most gorgeous animated films I’ve seen recently. Now, the storytelling. The fantastical story of magic being forgotten and our two main characters quest in finding it is beyond entertaining. I loved how they were able to make the magical creatures of legend fit into a modern day setting and it be completely believable. Like most of Disney/Pixar’s stories, though, it’s nothing without the message underneath. And this has to be their most adult one yet. Onward deals a lot with grief and coping with the loss of a parent. Something I think it’s safe to say a lot of people can relate to. Simply put, Onward is another home run for Disney/Pixar. They have been at the top of the pack in regards to animated films for years and this is yet another showcase of that. Everything they do so well is here. The animation, storytelling, and message are all top notch. This is definitely another film by them to be enjoyed by anyone of all ages and will be remembered for years to come. |
Pixar has always been the best at producing emotionally resonant family films and, with very few exceptions, their films have yet to decline in quality over the years. Onward is their latest masterpiece; a film that balances quirky humor with a powerful story about the importance of family and moving on. It's one of the few Disney films I've seen that deals openly with death in an honest way, and there are scenes in this film that had me in tears. Plus, the level of detail that the animation team worked into the background is incredible. Just little things like gas stations, fast food joints, and Easter eggs make this an even more rewarding watch.
Our heroes are Ian and Barley Lightfoot (Holland and Pratt, respectively), two brothers who cast a spell to resurrect their long dead dad for one last visit. But when the spell fails and they only bring back his legs, they embark on a quest to find the gem that can finish the spell. Along the way, Ian learns confidence, how to drive, and various other life skills that make him realize how important his family has been to his emotional upbringing. It's a story most of us can relate too, especially if Dad wasn't in the picture for whatever reason. Pixas has always managed to make intimate, relatable stories using larger-than-life stories and characters, and they certainly haven't lost their touch. Onward is a great movie that I'm worried is going to bomb because people are afraid to go to the movies right now, among other large gatherings of people. Regardless, it's a fantastic movie that the whole family can find something to love about. The voice cast is stellar, the animation is gorgeous, and the story is unique but familiar in all the right ways. One of Pixar's best and that's really saying something. |