Onward

I watched Onward and I didn’t like it. 2/5

–

Onward, the 2020 animated film from Pixar, unfortunately falls short of the high standards set by the studio’s previous works. Directed by Dan Scanlon, the film tells the story of two elf brothers on a quest to spend one more day with their deceased father using a magical spell. While Onward has its moments of charm and visual appeal, it ultimately fails to deliver a truly captivating and emotionally resonant experience.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its imaginative world-building. The modern fantasy setting, where mythical creatures coexist with everyday technology, is an intriguing concept that initially sparks interest. The filmmakers creatively blend fantasy elements with familiar suburban environments, resulting in some visually striking and whimsical scenes. The attention to detail in the animation is evident, with vibrant colors and intricate designs that bring the world to life.

However, the film’s narrative fails to live up to its potential. While the concept of two brothers embarking on a quest to reconnect with their deceased father is ripe with emotional possibilities, Onward fails to fully explore and capitalize on this premise. The story lacks depth and fails to delve into the emotional complexities and challenges faced by the characters. The pacing feels rushed at times, with important character moments and story beats not given enough time to resonate.

The character development in Onward is another area where the film falls short. The two main characters, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, are given surface-level personalities that never fully evolve or leave a lasting impact. Despite the talented voice performances of Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, the characters feel one-dimensional and lack the depth and nuance needed to truly connect with the audience. The supporting characters, including the brothers’ mother and a manticore, are also underdeveloped and fail to make a significant impression.

Moreover, Onward suffers from an inconsistent tone. The film tries to balance humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments but struggles to find a cohesive blend. The comedic elements occasionally feel forced, disrupting the flow of the story and hindering the emotional impact. The film’s attempts at emotional moments are undercut by the lack of character development and a story that fails to fully explore the weightier themes it introduces.

While Onward does have its moments of charm, they are unfortunately overshadowed by its narrative and character shortcomings. The emotional resonance that is typically associated with Pixar’s films is missing, leaving the audience feeling somewhat disconnected from the story and its characters. The potential for a touching and impactful tale is there, but it is not fully realized.

In conclusion, Onward falls short of Pixar’s typically high standards. While the imaginative world-building and visual appeal are commendable, the film suffers from a lackluster narrative, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent tone. It fails to deliver the emotional depth and resonance that audiences have come to expect from Pixar films. With its shortcomings outweighing its strengths, Onward earns a 2 out of 5 rating. While it may still appeal to younger viewers or those seeking a light-hearted adventure, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression or live up to the studio’s previous masterpieces.