The premise for 'Onward' is a good one if not unique. Pixar have more creative concepts than the one here, such as 'Inside Out', 'Soul' and 'Coco'. Pixar has not been as consistent in the 2010s compared to before, more though when it comes to its sequels and prequels. The studio was very consistently high quality up to 'Toy Story 3' and has varied since that film in my view. 'Onward' is one of two, and the first, of their films released in 2020, the other being 'Soul'.
For me, 'Soul' was the marginally better film, more imaginative and more ambitious without being overly so. Yet 'Onward' is a great film in its own way and worthy of more attention than it does. Is it the most original film in the world story-wise? No, absolutely not though sometimes lack of originality is not always a bad thing (it's when it goes too far on that where it matters). It is good though that many liked or loved it. Pretty much all of what makes the studio's output when on particularly good form so high quality though are here in 'Onward'. While it is not one of their best, it's relatively under-appreciated.
Very little wrong here in 'Onward'. Other than the lack of originality, the only thing that could have been better is that if the pacing slowed down a little towards the end.
'Onward' however is highly successful in every other regard. The animation is stunning as has nearly always been the case (the only exception actually has been some of the character designs in 'The Good Dinosaur'), with such beautiful colours and meticulously detailed backgrounds. The music is always dynamic with the action and is never at odds with it, full of character, energy and pathos. The script is a perfect balance of genuinely hilarious humour and moving and not too sentimental emotion.
Pixar always did have mature storytelling, especially apparent in almost all the non-sequel output since 'Inside Out' (and including that film). 'Onward' is one of the particularly mature ones in this period and one of their particularly mature ones overall. For what it may lack in originality, 'Onward' more than makes up for it in exciting and nostalgic action, hilarious entertainment value, affecting (but not over-sentimental) emotional power and affectionate honouring of the fantasy genre.
It is also hugely successful in its depiction of the relationship between the brothers (doing for brothers what the 'Frozen' films did for sisters), a beautifully and realistically written bond that was also hugely insightful and relatable. Will admit that the ending did make me cry, one of Pixar's most poignant endings. The characters felt real and didn't come over as too perfect or have negative characteristics over-emphasised. The voice acting is on point, with Tom Holland being particularly splendid and the bond between him and Chris Pratt felt authentic.
Concluding, wonderful. 9/10.
