Disney and Pixar’s latest animation coup “ONWARD” brings the magical and temporal elements to the fore. Imagine mythical creatures that have no powers and living ordinary lives. Unicorns are like stray canines foraging for leftovers in garbage cans, pixies have to ride motorcycles because they can’t fly, and centaurs do not gallop but ride cars.
The movie has a stellar roster of voice actors headed by Tom Holland (of Spiderman fame) as Ian Lightfoot, Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) as Barley Lightfoot, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss as their mother Laurel Lightfoot. Also in the cast are Octavia Spencer as the Manticore, Ali Wong as Officer Gore, Grey Griffin as Dewdrop, Tracey Ullman as Grecklin, and Wilmer Valderrama as Gaxton.
The film is directed by American animator Dan Scanlon who shares an affinity with two main characters. Someone who has lost a father very early in life shares the sadness, the longing, and the acceptance of circumstances.
Relationships Matter
In the movie, the Lightfoot siblings go on a quest fraught with perils to complete a spell that will enable them to see their departed father for a day. Their concerned mother follows suit. On the way, they discover things about themselves and each other. Big brother Barley, a loud, rowdy, card game enthusiast encourages his little brother Ian to be brave and bold. Timid Ian is amazed at his new-found abilities. As they move onward, they meet other mythical creatures who also undergo their own transformation.
I love that the movie tackles the dynamics of different kinds of relationships –between siblings, between parents and children, and even that of aux parent and stepchildren. My eight year old had tears rolling down her cheeks at one point in the movie, and I must admit, I was pretty choked-up. Overcoming insecurities, finding one’s inner strength and ultimately realizing the importance of family are also shown. Kudos to Tom Holland and Chris Pratt for their wonderful voice performances!
“Onward” is the perfect movie for families. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the funny scenes and shed a tear or two when the quest comes to fruition.
Catch ONWARD on March 4 in theatres!
With a pocketful of glitter,
