Pixar has a phenomenal track record, but we've now seen them deliver films which are either just fine (
The Good Dinosaur and
Incredibles 2) or downright fantastic (
Coco and
Toy Story 4). Well, we can now add
Onward to the list of the studio's movies which are deserving of "masterpiece" status, because this vibrant fantasy film delivers in every possible way. Directed by
Monsters University's - another of those films which are "just fine" - Dan Scanlon,
Onward is never short of big laughs, beautiful visuals, and emotional moments which
will bring a tear to your eye.
Marvel Cinematic Universe regulars Chris Pratt and Tom Holland take the lead here, and both actors are amazing as brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot who set off on a magical quest to spend one final day with the father they lost years earlier. Along the way, they cross paths with a lot of very memorable characters, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Laurel Lightfoot) and Octavia Spencer (Corey) deliver standout performances as two of the most noteworthy.
Onward belongs to Pratt and Holland, though, and their respective characters deserve to be remembered as fondly as the many other iconic creations Pixar has delivered over the years.
This is another world from the iconic animation studio which it's easy to get lost in, and it's one we would love to return to again and again.
Onward is inventive, makes great use of magic, and manages to put a fresh spin on a genre we're well accustomed to at this point. That's no easy feat, and the unique takes on familiar fantasy characters - especially the unicorns - is nothing short of brilliant.
Onward is a movie that packs a massive emotional punch, and while it may not be quite as groundbreaking from a visual standpoint as something like
Coco, there are still plenty of stunning sights to behold during this thrilling adventure. From a comedic standpoint, we're treated to tonnes of hilarious visual gags, and the dynamic between Ian and Barley is never anything short of awesome. Mychael and Jeff Danna's score doesn't leave a particularly lasting impact, but it still works well with the action on screen, and that's something you won't be able to tear your eyes away from. Make no mistake about it,
Onward is another huge win for Pixar, and
Soul now has a lot to live up to as the studio's second original 2020 release in June.
Onward is a masterpiece, and an unmissable fantasy adventure from Pixar. Stars Chris Pratt and Tom Holland steal the show, and this is a vibrant, wonderfully exciting world we definitely hope to return to.