Movie: Onward
Direction: Dan Scanlon
Cast: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer
Music: Mychael Danna, Jeff Danna
Cinematographer: Sharon Calahan, Adam Habib
Editor: Catherine Apple
Genre: Action, Thriller
Rating: ∗∗∗½
What is it about: It’s an animated adventure film, set in an urban fantasy world, where two elf brothers are set out on a quest to find a spell, which will bring back their deceased father. The film is directed by Dan Scanlon.
Dan Scanlon sets quite a mood which starts from ancient wizards and transforms into modern suburbs. But with mystical creatures. Once what used to be magical gets lost with modern technology and corporate stooges.
When it comes to animated feature films, PIXAR is mostly unbeatable and they bring out the best in entertainment which lures the audience of all ages. Onward, has a very good premise for a fantasy adventure. Writer and director Dan Scanlon sets quite a mood which starts from ancient wizards and transforms into modern suburbs. But with mystical creatures. Once what used to be magical gets lost with modern technology and corporate stooges.
Setting aside everything the two central characters Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) & Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt) embark on a journey of their lifetime to bring back their father. The film plays out as you expect with no surprises, and runs at a great pace. You enjoy every character which the story encounters on the journey, they leave a good impact and you remember them even after the film ends. For instance, the two Police officers who pulls over Ian for speeding. That brief moment of interaction between them was beautifully created.
Off late it seems like Tom Holland is becoming a favourite for voice artist in animated movies. Have to agree he suits the best. In Onward his voice did add great character to Ian. Surprise element was Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot, Ian’s older brother. May be for the reason we’ve never seen Chris play such a happy go lucky character on screen. I totally loved Barley and was in awe of the brotherly love he displays. Among the other supporting characters, two were really adorable. Corey a Manticore voiced by Octavia Spencer and Dewdrop a Pixie voiced by Grey Griffin. They both were amazing.
The animation was seamless, when it’s PIXAR, one thing you can be rest assured. And the best part was, the IMAX version was not in 3D. And that itself adds more value to a film. The sound was brilliant and the edit was crisp by Catherine Apple. The cinematography by Sharon Calahan and Adam Habib was delectable.
Verdict: Dan Scanlon, once again presented a warm and emotional film which explores the brotherhood in the midst of an adventure. The comedy was effortless and cracks you instantly. The film has a good flavour which appeals the audience of all ages. Definitely worth a watch, don’t miss it.
