Movie Review Madness - Onward

Enjoyed a preview showing of Pixar's Onward last night with Ray. Unusual Thursday evening date night complete with yummy dinner at Red Robin. We both said, "Fun," when the movie ended. This will not be in the pantheon of beyond awesome Pixar movies, but it's in the category of great animation, good voice characters, and a sweet story. What more could you want for a five dollar ticket?

There used to be magic and wonder, and now the world is just bumbling along. It's Ian's sixteenth birthday and he's quietly missing his father who passed from illness; he'd like to actually talk to people in school; he'd like to learn to drive. Ian (Tom Holland) needs to get some ooomph. Older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) misses his dad, plays quest games, and seems to find trouble. Mom (Julia Louis Dreyfus) tries to guide her boys and be strong. What's missing?  Some magic and wonder.

When mom gives the boys a gift from their dad - a wizard wand, they embark on a quest to have time with him for a day. Oh there's a path to peril, raven's point, and the powerful Manicort (Octavia Spencer) to encounter. In this quest, there's humor, danger, and a chance for brotherly bonding. It's fun and funny and poignant.

All in all, Onward is energetic and family fuzzy warm. I cared about the brothers and they find out how much they care about each other. Big hug all around for this sweet movie.

Yes, it's okay to go see it on the big screen in the theater.  Just wash your hands and carry on.