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Hello Cinephiles,
Today we’re talking about the 2020 film Onward.
Story
I had heard reviews about this movie that said it was the herald that Pixar had lost it’s magic and just become another copy of Disney. (Which I think is unfair since modern Disney owes a lot to Pixar.) This movie didn’t disappoint me. Like the vast majority, it left me crying.
I think the story itself is fairly simple but the world and buildup are fantastic. There’s very little in the movie that isn’t used or exploited again.
That all being said… It was a little predictable. The structure of a Quest or road trip movie, dictates that no matter what they choose, it’ll be wrong but end up pushing the character development. I guessed every twist in advance, which is uncommon for a Pixar.
Score: 0.5
Characters
The story is the characters. That’s really what Pixar is best at, engaging, flawed, lovable, characters that grow because of the story.
From the awkward Mom’s boyfriend to the retired adventurer, they all have depths. I mean, they somehow managed to make a character who was just a bottom half, have a loving and endearing personality.
Score: 1
Dialogue
“You’ll never be ready. Now Merge!” is probably one of the most inspiring things I’ve heard. As someone without his license, it’s also terrifying.
The dialogue is true and it’s certainly authentic; but it’s not extremely memorable after a first watch.
Score: 0.5
Visuals and Music
The movie’s description call it a Suburban Fantasy and the visuals never let you forget it. Anytime you see a lush, beautiful, fantasy moment, the visuals will throw in a plane or road sign or manhole cover.
It’s a great balancing act that makes the entire movie visually coherent. I love the look and feel of this world. It’s beautiful and ugly in all the right ways.
The music is mostly variations on fantasy themes with a bunch of classic rock inspired music thrown in. The combination gives a quirky feel but is definitely authentic its Dungeons & Dragons influence.
Score: 1
Fun
This movie had everything I wanted and didn’t try to jam in an awkward romance.
It was exciting, pretty, and a lot of fun.
Score: 1
Overall
This movie feels like it was made to entertain me and pull at my heartstrings. It won’t hit everyone the same way but it is an extremely fun road trip movie set in a suburban fantasy. Plus there’s a gelatinous cube.
Score: 4 stars
I think it unpredictably didn’t have a perfectly happy ending…it was a satisfying and a happy ending but it didn’t end perfectly…and that was super refreshing!
Agreed. Loved the bittersweet ending.