Movie Review: Onward – Pixar
If you want to watch two brothers go on an epic, magical adventure with their father…’s legs, then this is the movie for you.
In a world that lost magic in favour of technological advancement, Ian and Barley are elf brothers who couldn’t be more different. While Barley is fearless, goofy, and obsessed with magic, Ian is organized, methodical, and scared of everything.
There is one other big difference between the brothers: Barley, being the older child, had the opportunity to get to know their father who got sick and passed away. Ian never had the chance, since he was too young (it’s unclear whether he was even born yet when their father passed).
This is an important element of the movie because on Ian’s 16th birthday, their mother brings a gift down from the attic that was left to both of the brothers by their father. With it were the instructions to give the gift to them only once they were both over the age of 16.
As it turns out, the gift contains the tools and the spell necessary to bring their father back to life for one day. Neither of the brothers has ever used magic before. And as a result… well, most of the movie involves them hanging out with just his legs.
The thing I was happiest about with this film is that they killed the dad off before the movie started, instead of 5-10 minutes in like Pixar loves to do. I’m depressed enough as it is, Pixar, I don’t need to mourn a death while I’m just trying to entertain my child with an enjoyable cinematic experience.
All jokes aside though, this movie was honestly perfection from start to finish. Imagine if Dungeons and Dragons met Weekend at Bernie’s. It is the whole package: edge-of-your-seat adventure, brotherly love, learning about and finding yourself, discovering who you really are… or discovering who you can be, and most of all conquering your fears, trusting yourself, and trusting in those you love. The cherry on top is that it is also undeniably adorable and hilarious throughout.
I was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming positivity, even during minor interactions throughout the movie. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t conflict, but the movie really moved away from the easy bait of bitterness, jealousy, and the underdog being an outcast loser.
Early in the movie, Ian tries to conquer one of his fears by inviting some kids from school to his house for a party.
I fully expected it to play out like this: Ian approaches kids, kids laugh at him and make fun of him for being a nerd, Ian is defeated and sad.
In reality, it goes a little more like this: Ian greets kids, kids are welcoming and open, Ian invites kids, kids accept, Ian chickens out and tells them to forget the whole thing.
The lesson was about Ian getting in his own way. He was fearful and anxious, but it wasn’t because he was an outcast at school. I liked this approach, and appreciated that it didn’t make Ian into a victim, but rather someone who had to do some learning and exploring about himself.
Throughout their adventures, Barley is a supportive presence as Ian is forced to face his fears in a total baptism by fire. I mean, there is literally fire. But also other stuff.
Of course there is a little falling out between the brothers at some point – there needs to be conflict and resolution for the movie to move forward. But Barley’s unwavering confidence in Ian is so heartwarming and wholesome.
Finally, we love Laurel – Barley and Ian’s mom. She is a total badass. She supports her kids equally, despite their differences, and totally commits a felony (or several) trying to get to and protect them. I strive to one day be as cool and wise as Laurel.
Of course Ian had to do the work himself to overcome his fears, but I think his supportive loved ones went a long way in helping him succeed.
Enough mushy gushy stuff. If you don’t give a shit about any of the other stuff I’ve talked about, watch this movie only to see the scenes with The Manticore. A once fierce warrior turned tame, family-friendly restaurant owner, The Manticore also goes on a journey of self-discovery while simultaneously acting as some pretty great comic relief – not that this movie needs comic relief – pretty much the whole thing is goofy and entertaining.
This adventure kept me on the edge of my seat right to the end. You do know how a kids movie like this is going to end, but the journey was anything but predictable.
I gave this movie 5/5 Level 20 Mage Spells. It’s one I’ll be able to watch over and over again. It’s enjoyable for kids, it’s enjoyable for adults. It’s both light and whimsical and wholesome. Don’t miss this one.
If you watched this movie too, what did you think? And what should I review next?
