Onward (2020)

Onward takes the familiar Pixar promise of wonder and sneaks in something rarer: a genuinely tender, funny portrait of brotherhood set in a fantasy world that’s been paved over by modern convenience. Dan Scanlon’s suburban-magic setting is bursting with clever visual jokes and imaginative creatures, and the adventure keeps moving with the buoyant rhythm of a road trip—equal parts chaotic, charming, and heartfelt. Tom Holland and Chris Pratt make Ian and Barley feel like real siblings, bickering and bonding in ways that land because the emotions underneath are honest, not manufactured. It’s not for everyone if stories about grief and a lost parent hit too close to home, but if you’re open to a crowd-pleasing quest that earns its tears, Onward delivers a warm, surprisingly affecting kind of magic.

Onward is clearly aiming for a heartfelt, kid-friendly quest that mixes suburban fantasy gags with a sincere story about grief and family, and it does land a few warm, charming moments along the way. The problem is that the adventure often feels like a checklist of familiar Pixar/Amblin beats, with pacing that drags and a world that’s more decorative than truly explored. If you’re hoping for bold originality or richly layered characters, this may feel predictable and a bit emotionally pushy rather than deeply earned. That said, the brother dynamic is likable, the voice work is solid, and if you’re in the mood for a gentle, sentimental ride—especially one centered on a late parent—it can still hit the target.