By: Keaton Marcus

The newest production from Pixar seems autopilot, but "Onward" still makes its mark as sweetly-made animated entertainment that largely benefits from its talented voice-cast and dazzling visuals. The children's movie brings stars Tom Holland and Chris Pratt into the mix with gratifying success, and director Dan Scanlon ("Monsters University") brings just enough creativity to lift off more than the standard kids flick. Also, we get a fresh story with new characters after so numerous Disney sequels. This is nothing less than satisfying for audiences, and perhaps the movie will create its own franchise. Certainly not as wonderful as the four "Toy Story" movies, but I would watch a sequel of this inventive picture. The film has the perfect running time, clocking at about 102 minutes, and solidly makes usage of it. "Onward" will never exactly give you boredom, but its heavy themes about loss might make you somewhat emotional in the theatre. Not as much as more superior installments, but that's Disney-Pixar's signature move.

The movie takes place in a fantastical suburban town that has gradually lost its magical touch, with the narrator explaining the slew of inventions that flew in to make basic activities easier than learning wizardry. We focus on the main character, called Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) who's dad died before he was born. Ian is about to turn 16 years old, and on his birthday, his mother Laurel (an impressive Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) gives him and his brother Barley (Chris Pratt) a gift from their father. The present turns out to be a magical staff, and a spell to bring him back for one entire day. However, when the spell malfunctions, Ian, Barley and half of their dad (you'll get it once you watch it) head out on a quest to find the coveted Phoenix Gem, the only thing that can save their father.

While it isn't the only reason to watch the movie, the immensely likable cast (the opposite of "Planes") is already some massive persuasion. Tom Holland plays Ian with an amiable quirkiness and has some above-average chemistry with Chris Pratt, who portrays Barley. The script isn't pitch-perfect, but Scanlon writes with rock-solid comic-timing and gives the movie's two main characters enough to work with. What's really terrific is that both Holland and Pratt have experience working together in the MCU, and the duo happens to already have excellent comedic roles under their belts. I know, Scanlon literally brought two Marvel actors into a Pixar movie, brilliant. Also, we see actress Julia Louis-Dreyfuss team up with the talented Octavia Spencer, who turns out to be a likable couple to watch on-screen. So if you like superhero movies, and laughs--you'll almost be able to forget the flaws.

This is Scanlon's second Pixar movie after "Monsters University", the uncalled for, but a solid prequel to the iconic "Monsters INC". Clearly, you see the resemblance in "Onward", but he gives the picture a little more pizazz to make it worth watching. The adventurous and especially interesting premise will be more than a distraction for younger viewers, and may even touch older audiences. It's emotional themes and intelligence makes it better than the common diversion such as "Storks", or this year's so-so "The Call of the Wild". And to make up for its mainly childish third act, the magnificent visuals and enough signature humor to keep it from sinking too down in the ranks Pixar's seemingly myriad films. There may be a franchise, there most likely won't be--but truthfully, I enjoyed this picture--and that's enough.

The final opinion is: Disney-Pixar and Dan Scanlon's "Onward" isn't one of the best efforts of the franchise, but it makes its mark as a suitably iconic film that benefits from its likable voice-cast and visuals...$PLURGE IT

Buy on Prime Video for $19.99

By: Keaton Marcus

Box Office Info:

Opening: 39.1M

Domestic Total: 61.5M

Worldwide Total: 103.1M