Onward

Pixar return with another film to tug at our heartstrings. This time around we follow two elf teens as they go on a quest to spend some time with their deceased father.

The two protagonists Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt) Lightfoot live in a world where magic was once a crucial part of everyday life. As technology emerged though the need for magic diminished until it eventually disappeared completely. However, when Ian and Barley's mother (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) unveils a long hidden gift from their father the boys are given a chance to resurrect their father for just 24 hours. With magic a thing of the past though the spell is no easy feat and results in only the lower half of their father to be restored, thus sending them on their quest to complete the spell.

Onward is a touching tale but rather formulaic in it's approach. This reduces its overall impact and prevents it from becoming yet another Pixar masterpiece.

The film is available now via Disney+ and is certainly worth the two hours even without reaching the heights of its predecessors.

★★★ ½

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