Onward Review
In a time like this, we need escapism more than anything. Onward offers the most fun, colourful, joyful version of that. Think of the role playing game Dungeons and Dragons, now imagine a world where the game is real life, but people have lost their need for magic, while microwaves and aeroplanes exist.
The story follows two brothers. One of which — Barley Lightfoot (voiced by Chris Pratt) — is a huge fan of role playing games, but the game he plays is based on the world they live in… or at least it used to be. The brothers get given a wizard staff that was left by their deceased father to be opened on the younger brother, Ian Lightfoot’s 16th birthday (voiced by Tom Holland). It came with a spell, which was meant to bring their father back for 24 hours. But the spell didn’t work, and instead of bringing their father back, it only brought his legs back.
This begins a hectic and exciting journey as the brothers decide to go on a quest — with their fathers legs coming along for the ride — to find a gem stone they need to re-do the spell and attempt to bring the whole of their father back. As Ian has never met him, he’s desperate to find the gemstone. Barley, however, is enjoying going on a real-life quest with his magic-wielding brother.
As Barley knows all about the magical world, but cannot wield it himself, while Ian knows next-to-nothing, it’s left to Barley to train Ian how to use the wizard staff during their adventure. The brotherly relationship is truly heartwarming, proving they’re quite opposite in personalities, but not letting that hamper the strength of their bond.
As Ian comes to the realisation he had a father-figure all along in Barley, towards the end of the movie there is a wonderful moment of selflessness that rivals some of the best love story endings in Hollywood.
Although the story admittedly isn’t as strong as Finding Nemo or Monsters Inc, it’s still full of magic, wonder, and heartwarming moments. The movie is visually stunning, and you root for the two brothers from the get-go. This film cleverly switches gender roles too, with the physically strong and beastly character being a woman. The mother, Laurel Lightfoot (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) also unleashes her badass side on more than one occasion.
It’s Lord of the Rings without the seriousness. It’s role playing games but on the big screen. It’s Disney Pixar once again creating a memorable and timeless animation film that not only kids will love, but adults too.
Hannah Parker
