“Onward” was released in 2020. It received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. The film later streamed on Disney Plus due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Onward is nominated for an Oscar for “Best Animated Feature” along with “Soul.”
“The 2021 Academy Awards” will air on April 24th. Before the upcoming awards ceremony airs on ABC, I want to share my thoughts on my favorite animated movie of 2020.
Today’s review doesn’t contain no crucial SPOILERS. Feel free to check out my non-spoiler article.
Onward & Offline Aspects
Onward: Chris Pratt & Tom Holland both did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Other Cast Members such as Julia-Louis Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer, Mel Rodriguez, (Marco from Better Call Saul) Lena Waithe & Ali Wong all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Dan Scanlon (Monster University) did a fantastic directing the movie. He also co-wrote the script.
Computer Animation is gorgeous bringing many element to life such as character models, fluid movement, environmental locations and the world.
The Dana Brothers (The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, The Good Dinosaur) served as composers.
Humor as some visual gags and witty dialogue.
The Tone manages to balance between comedy and drama.
Primary Themes for the film are Magic, Believing In Yourself, Brotherhood, Family & Trust. All themes are handled maturely.
Chemistry between Ian & Barley serves as the main highlight. Both Tom & Chris shared a booth together while recording their dialogue in order to make their conversations with each other realistic.
Ian acts similar to Tom Holland’s breakout role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” or MCU for short. Speaking of MCU, both Tom & Chris played a character named Peter.
Ian wears a red shirt and blue jeans. A wink to Spider-Man’s signature red and blue costume.
Barley’s boisterous personality over his fondness of a “Dungeons & Dragons” like role-playing game reminds me of his role as Andy Dwyer from “Parks & Recreation.” He also carries a mixtape similar to his iconic role as Peter Quill/Star-Lord from “Guardians Of The Galaxy.” Barley resembles a blue skinned elf version of Andy Dwyer back when Chris used to be chubby before he got ripped.
Opening Scene establishes the lore set in a modern times within the fantasy genre. Like “Zootopia,” not a single human is shown. Let’s pretend “Chicken Little” never existed.
Character Development involving Ian. As the story progresses, he learns magic spells if he wants to restore half of his father’s body before times runs out.
Ian & Barley’s dad’s disguise looks like “The Invisible Man.” A reboot starring Elisabeth Moss & Oliver Jackson-Cohen also came out the same year as Onward.
Whenever Ian & Barley assist their dad to move, it’s like a PG version of “Weekend At Bernie’s” but their dad is legs are moving.
We learn about the duo’s background along with their father prior to the movie’s events.
If you have a sensitive side, you’ll probably cry. As for me, I didn’t cry. I’m gonna be brutally honest. I never cried watching a Disney or Pixar film. Only time something animated related is Code Lyoko’s second season finale titled, “The Key.” If you’re a Code Lyoko fan, you’ll probably get it. Last time I cried watching a movie or show is none other than The Mandalorian’s second season finale. If you’ve seen the climatic finale, you probably know why.
If you want to relive going to the movies the traditional way, Disney & Pixar often shows a short film before the actual film starts. Feel free to watch “The Simpsons” short film Featuring Maggie titled, “Playdate With Destiny” on Disney Plus. Think of it as going to a place like Chili’s. Start with an appetizer (short film) then the main coarse. (actual film) Feels good going to a theater like movie studios treating you like a guest at a dine-in restaurant having a good time with your friends, boyfriend or girlfriend and family. Boy I miss going to the movies.
Not a spoiler, a group of people sing the exact same version happy birthday from “The Emperor’s New Groove.”
I’m relieved no temporary break-up between two people or more isn’t forced. I dislike a “we are done cliche” in romantic comedies or buddy cop movies when it comes to a pair breaking up. Then they put aside their differences and resume their quest.
If you truly like this movie as much as I did, delete scenes and an audio commentary is included on Disney Plus. If you wanna go old school, buy it on DVD/Blu-Ray.
Offline: I couldn’t find nothing wrong with this movie. I’m giving The Cast & Crew an Extra Point for making a flawless movie as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
From my point of view, Onward is an amazing animated fantasy adventure worth your spare time. Most of the things I’ve listed as Onward, indicates why Pixar’s 22nd film is an instant classic. If you haven’t seen my favorite movie of 2020, I strongly recommend it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 