The Mosley Review: Onward
If there is a lesson to be learned, is that you can never doubt Pixar in delivering an original story that will warm your heart and deliver a message that hits you like a wrecking ball. I wasn’t impressed with the trailers and I had low expectations, but I couldn’t resist an alternate take on a world of fantasy that becomes modern. From beginning to end there was magic in the visuals and literal magic throughout the film and its story. There are many times that I’ve wanted to go on a quest across the plains on an epic and magical adventure and this film delivered it. It was a modern take on fantasy creatures becoming more civilized and more like our world. The brilliance of making the days of wonder a past era and yet still kept alive in the form of Dungeons & Dragons type story books and board games was awesome. Pixar has taken us on many adventures of the heart, the mind and even the experiences of getting older. They have taken us on many emotional rollercoasters in stories about sacrifice and loss, but I haven’t seen them do anything like this. It was imaginative, clever, sometimes predictable, but always fun. This story hit home because of its subject of losing a parent and wishing to spend at least one more day with them. I have had that very same wish every since I lost my father and I miss him every day. As you can guess, I was in a puddle of tears once the credits rolled and I guarantee you will be too.
The casting in this film was beyond perfection. Tom Holland as the young teenage elf Ian Lightfoot was outstanding and charming. He was appropriately awkward, cautious and he had a heart of gold. Chris Pratt plays his brother Barley Lightfoot and he was a delight. He represented the romanticism of the days of wonder and he kept the spirit of adventure alive. He had an awesome van ripped right off of an 80’s epic metal cover and I loved it. The two of them together were a 100% a perfect duo and their chemistry was just off the charts. Julia Louis-Dreyfus was excellent as their mother Laurel and just as engaging and supportive. Octavia Spencer was awesome as Corey the manitcore. She gets some epic moments in the film and especially a very satisfying moment in her tavern where we’ve all had the same feeling. Mel Rodriguez was hilarious and excellent as the centaur police officer Colt Bronco. He had a number of great moments, but the best one comes toward the end of the film.
The score by Mychael and Jeff Danna was truly something special. It was epic yet grounded, heartfelt and something that can be played along with any D&D campaign. Their score truly illustrates the imagination and drives home the love between the brothers as they go on an epic quest. There is even some great epic and tasty rock compositions that I’m definitely gonna enjoy for a long time. The character and world designs in the film were gorgeous and I loved the cityscapes and battles in the film. The use of magic in the film was smart, fun and hilarious in many awesome scenes. Like I said before, Pixar knows how to bring home a story that will touch your heart an soul. I loved this film and it was truly a cathartic experience. If you’ve ever lost a loved one, just know that its gonna be okay and you’re never alone. Hang on to all of the best memories and moments you have shared. They will always be with you.
