A touching tale of brotherhood, the latest animation from Disney Pixar is ONWARD.
Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt) Lightfoot are just two regular teenage brothers living with their single mum, Laurel (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), since their Dad died when Ian was a baby. Except, they’re not. A family secret is about to be unveiled as Ian turns 16 and embarks on an adventure that teaches him everything about the man he is supposed to be.
Once upon a time the world was founded on magic and legends, curses and fairy dust but then the mechanics of modern technology took over. A profound commentary on the world as we know it, this coming of age story is a clever examination of how our society has become reliant on mod cons, consumerism and living inside the confines of structure.
Sprites riding motorcycles, centaurs buttoned up inside police uniform, manticores selling out the magic to become just another chain restaurant; they’ve forgotten who they are. The only person who is trying his hardest to hold on to the magic of the past is Barley, but he’s having an even harder time convincing everyone else to align their thoughts with his. An avid ‘dungeons and dragons’ player, Barley may appear to be sprung from Loserville but the truth is there is so much more to him than meets the eye.
Something his own brother is set to learn as the pair take a wild ride on Barley’s trusty steed Guinevere along the path of peril, on a quest to make memories and heal old wounds. A peculiar gift hands Ian and Barley the chance to see their father for one day but magic is never straightforward, especially in the hands of a young elf who’s perfected the role of wallflower to a tee.
Onward is my new favourite animated movie. Characters that are wholly endearing, strong female and male role models and twists and turns along the way, Pixar have served up a family movie that will have you laughing one minute and reaching for the tissues by the end.
A road trip to end all road trips, the fun may be all in the getting there but the surprise is in the destination because it’s a lot closer than you think. So put your vehicle in gear O and onward to the cinema my friends!
Onward is in cinemas across Australia from 2 April 2020.