With a little bit of an eighties vibe and a lot of D&D feeling, Pixar’s latest release Onward is bringing a different type of magic to theaters. In a completely original story, Onward takes the journey of two brothers trying to use a long lost magic to bring their father back just for one day to spend that time together. But, of course, in any journey things don’t go quite as planned.
The world in Onward is one of mythical creatures, but it’s in a time period where everyone has let technology take over their lives. The years of magic have gone to the way of conveniences, and the old ways are lost – but not completely. When Ian turns 16, his mom gives him a gift that not only brings back the spark of magic into their lives but also might give him a chance to meet his father for the first time.
Over time magic faded away, but I hope there’s a little magic left in you – Narrator
The World of Onward
Since Onward is in a fantasy world – the animators took that into account for every element in the world. From houses that are shaped a bit like mushrooms, windows that have a viney appearance and even mythical creatures around every corner. Dragons have been relegated to house pets, and unicorns would be the equivalent of raccoons in our world.
But it’s not just the creatures in Onward that the animators took the time to create – when you’re watching the movie be on the look out for fantastic themed named products, restaurants and more peppered through the film.
In the true Pixar fashion, nothing is left to chance and each element is carefully crafted and designed to fit this new world. It’s not just a small element here or there making an already created set just a little fantastic – but instead the world is hand made and puts the viewer into the film.
A Family Story Viewers Can Relate To
The majority of the animated films Pixar makes has a story we can relate to, but Onward has a deeper story. It’s the heart of a family and figuring out who the characters are within it. Both of the brothers are unique and strong characters in their own right and their mother is supportive of them – as well as protective when she needs to be. But at the heart of it all is a story about family and how they are there for each other no matter what.
Put it in O for Onward – Barley
The family dynamics in Onward isn’t one we tend to see in any kids movie – a single mother raising her kids alone with a new boyfriend who occasionally makes an appearance. The family structure is one that is secure even if their father passed away, and is one that is supportive. It’s a nice departure to seeing the different family dynamics as the reason for conflict and may be a welcome surprise to many kids and adults in the audience.
Onward’s Fantastic Influence
The story of Onward came to life after Director Dan Scanlon and his brother found a recording of their father’s voice and the inspiration for the story took off from there. The mythical journey is rooted in his and his brother’s desire to meet their father and what could happen if they had the chance. This real life inspiration is one that will pull at your heart strings and will have you wanting the ability to meet your long lost loved ones at any cost.
Whatever it takes, I’m going to meet my dad – Ian
Since the world in Onward is set in a land of magic, some influences were taken from the magical world that Wizard’s of the Coast created in Dungeons and Dragons. Barley is an avid gamer of a similar game Quest of Yore where music is used to solve problems throughout a quest. What the characters find out is the game is based in the lost magic from their society and it helps them on their own quest along the way as well. This little nod to the table top RPG is one that many adults are going to love tossed into this fun film.
Why Onward Will Be Your New Favorite Movie
Every time we go to the movies to watch a Pixar film, we all know what to expect – and emotional roller coaster that will have you crying in no time. And yes, Onward fits right into that model but it is unlike every other Pixar film to date. The story is completely original and inspired by Director Dan Scanlon and his brother’s desire to meet their father.
On a quest the right way isn’t always the easy one – Barley
While the movie is set in a world full of magic, the story is one that you will be captivated by. You will find yourself getting lost in the story, watching the world they created unfold in front of you. You may even find that you wont even pick up any of the traditional Easter Eggs that you normally would find in the Pixar films.
With only a couple moments that might be too intense for younger viewers, Onward is one that is great for the whole family. Onward is in theaters everywhere on March 6th.
About Onward:
Set in a suburban fantasy world, Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” introduces two teenage elf brothers who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there. Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new original feature film is directed by Dan Scanlon and produced by Kori Rae—the team behind “Monsters University.” “Onward” releases in theaters on March 6, 2020. (DISNEY)
This film is rated PG.
