Disney Pixar continues to make family friendly and moral-teaching films that are full of humour and heart. Perhaps Pixar’s attempt to build on Frozen’s success, family and magic are the key themes of Onward. It takes a look at the impact of technology on the magic of the world that elves Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt) live in. They embark on a quest to find the gem that will enable them to spend a day with their father, who passed away when they were very young.
It draws on and brings to life quest games like Dungeons and Dragons and there is even a potential Mad Max reference. It’s full of action and pixies and unicorns, with Holland and Pratt having great chemistry as chalk- and-cheese brothers. The animation is world-class, which is obviously to be expected from such established studios.
The film has some great messages about appreciating what is right in front of us instead of wishing too much about what could have been. There are lessons about giving in too much to a fast-paced world and putting your heart and belief into everything that you do which is perfect for its child audience, but also relatable to any age. It includes some great active roles for the female characters as well, with the mother having an entertaining subplot with the powerful Manticore.
‘Onward’ is available to stream on Disney+.
Pep Reviews 