ONWARD – “Has just enough of that Pixar movie magic”

onward

RATING

DIRECTOR

Dan Scanlon (Monsters University – 2013)

STARRING

  • Tom Holland as Ian Lightfoot
  • Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot
  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Laurel Lightfoot
  • Octavia Spencer as Corey
  • Mel Rodriguez as Colt Bronco

SYNOPSIS

Two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, go on a journey to discover if there is still a little magic left out there in order to spend one last day with their father, who died when they were too young to remember him.

REVIEW SUMMARY

The “House of Mouse” has done it again – for the most part. You see, while it can feel forced at times, Onward has just enough of that Pixar movie magic to make it all work in the end. Trust me, this is enjoyable stuff, with a slew of dazzling (not to mention thrilling) moments sprinkled throughout. The voice work is really fun as well, especially from Pratt and Holland, who have busloads of charismatic chemistry between them. Yep, it’s got all the zip and energy you’ve come to expect from ‘ol Pixar, with a large helping of vibrant imagery and playful humour to boot (I especially enjoyed the Weekend At Bernie’s-esque moments. You’ll see). Then there’s the heavy-handed life lessons and heartfelt messaging. And while they also hit their marks here (there was lots of sniffling going on in my screening), it’s not AS effective as we’ve seen. This film never reaches the emotional heights of the Toy Story outings, or Coco, or Up, or WALL-E and so on. Regardless, this family centric fantasy casts a feel-good spell on kids and kids at heart. The hold just might not be as strong as you’re used to.

BOX OFFICE TOP 5

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