“Onward” is directed by Dan Scanlon, who previously directed Pixar’s “Monsters University” and has a cast that includes Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Octavia Spencer. The film marks Pixar’s 22nd feature film since 1995. This film’s box office revenue unfortunately took a hit with the Convid-19 pandemic as did a majority of the films released in March.

Ian Lightfoot (Holland) is an socially awkward elf living in fantasy suburban world with his mother Laurel (Louis-Dreyfus) and older brother, Barley (Pratt). On his 16th birthday, Ian receives a gift from his late father in the form of a magical staff and that can resurrect their father for one day only. However, the spell is incomplete and only their father’s lower body appears. To save him, the brothers must embark on a journey to find the Phoenix Gem and finish their father’s spell with the help of a manticore (Spencer).

After the Covid-19 pandemic pretty much shut down all the movie theaters during 2020 Spring Break, this movie kind got the short end of the stick by being a causality of this pandemic. However, Disney+ member were treated to this film making its debut on that platform. The film itself is a typical road trip movie with a fantasy setting and Disney’s & Pixar’s magic to make an exciting adventure amongst the young demographic. This was a great film and story of 2 brothers bonding on a adventure. While it doesn’t compare to Pixar’s higher up films such as the Toy Story trilogy or the 2 Incredibles films, it still a great film all the way around. The film does have its cliches and predictable moments but doesn’t take away anything.

Overall, Pixar is still going on strong with very few mishaps. This one is no different and continues to expand their range of not only settings but colorful characters and visuals. Despite “Toy Story 4” & “The Incredibles 2” being successes, it’s still always interesting and real challenge to see Pixar going in a different with films like “Inside Out” & “Coco” rather than going the sequel or spinoff route that is somewhat ok and other times mediocre. I have all the hope in the world that Pixar will keep on rolling especially with their upcoming film “Soul”. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Disney+ came to rescue by adding “Onward” to their service. Hopefully, this all passes by quickly enough so we back to enjoying movies in the theaters.