Movie review by Jeff Moliterno  

First things first. When I saw the early previews for Onward, I had mixed feelings about the premise of the movie. At first I was excited about the idea of a new Pixar movie. That is one movie studio that typically gets things right. But after seeing some of the more recent previews, I started having second thoughts about it. You see, I had lost my Dad at the young age of 7, and the main story line of Onward is about two boys getting a chance to bring back their dad for a day. To say that thought hit an emotional chord for me is an understatement. So how did Pixar do on this movie, is it suitable for everyone, and how did I handle the story line? Find out all of the details in this Disney Pixar Onward Movie Review by a Christian Dad below!

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I must say one thing that I looked forward to with Onward is the fact that it was new content. A fresh new story in a world of remakes, rehashes, and sequels. However, would my personal story of losing my Dad conflict with my enjoyment of this movie? Since I enjoy new movies and fresh movie themes, I went into this trying not to know too much about the story and keeping an open mind to give a fair and honest review using these guidelines I have for movie reviewing.

SYNOPSIS of Disney/Pixar Onward

We find ourselves in a world not unlike our own, except for a few minor things like having small dragons as pets, Unicorns roaming the neighborhood, elves, a centaur cop and various winged creatures as part of our daily lives!  However, things were not always so “normal” in their world. They used to have magic, and that magic was used to help all in need. However, magic was hard to manage and control, and eventually people came up with other ways to manage their daily lives. Inventions like the light bulb, gas stoves and other modern conveniences took the place of magic, and the magic just faded away. 

Which takes us to the world of Onward, where Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) is turning 16, is unsure of himself, lacking confidence, and missing his dad. Ian has never met his dad because he passed away due to an illness. Ian’s older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) is fearless, knows all about how magic works through a game called Quests Of Yore, and is somewhat annoying. But he has a few memories of their dad to hold on to and share with his younger brother.

Ian has a cassette tape of a conversation with his dad’s voice on it, and is one of the few ways he has to connect with him. He has a pretend conversation with his dad using this tape. This scene was especially moving for me. Ian desperately wants to know more about his dad and is feeling down about not ever knowing him.

So before celebrating his birthday with cake and presents, his mom Laurel Lightfoot (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) decides to help brighten the mood by giving Ian a present from his dad. Ian and Barley’s dad told her to give this present once they both were at least 16 years old. It turns out to be a magic staff and a special gem, along with a written spell to bring their dad back for one day! The spell ends up working, sort of. Only his legs are brought back to them, and now they must go on a quest to bring back his top half before the sun sets the next day.

So Ian and Barley set off with their half dad to try to bring the rest of him back. What follows is a unique adventure with lots of fun, laughter, some tears (at least for me!) and danger. Will they succeed in their quest? Will Ian finally get to meet his dad? Do the boys have some magic in them to pull off this adventure?

Pixar ONWARD MOVIE REVIEW BY A CHRISTIAN DAD:

The Good

There were very many great aspects of this movie, but I have to say I am biased regarding the primary reason for me. Because I lost my Dad at age 7 due to a heart attack, my memories of him are few. I definitely could relate with both Ian and Barley and what they were feeling. For years I have thought what it might be like if I had known my Dad more, and Onward gave me a nice mix of laughs, tears and memorable moments regarding this topic. As a Christian, I know there is no magic that will bring back my Dad, but I do live with the hope of meeting him again after this life is over.

It is fun to watch as Ian learns about his dad along the journey, but more importantly he learns about himself and the potential in him waiting to come out.

Another aspect of the movie I enjoyed was the interaction between the brothers, and the way they had each other’s backs.

Throughout the movie there are a lot of entertaining names of products, restaurants, and other items that you need to keep an eye out for. Also, watch out for the name that comes up for Ian’s mom’s boyfriend on her cell phone. Just one of many quick laughs!

WHAT YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW

While not everything I mention is offensive to myself, I like to point out the things that others may have a problem with.

I will at least point out that magic, spells and incantations are mentioned and used throughout the movie, but not in an evil witch sort of way.

Language:

There is virtually no bad language in this film. There were two instances where “son of a” was used, but not finished,and one instance where the phrase, “Ah Shantor’s Tallons” was used in place of “Ah Sh##”, so again technically no bad language was used. That was it as far as what I or my sons heard.

VIOLENCE:

The violence in this movie was pretty tame by most PG movie standards these days. 

Within this film, there is a scene with some biker pixies (yes, you read that right!) with some fighting, and a car chase that might be a little intense for young viewers. Also there is a unique dragon fighting scene with a not-so-scary looking dragon that has some humor spliced in with the drama.

Overall though, again I would say this movie is not nearly as intensive or violent as other movies with a PG Rating. 

IS THERE A GAY SCENE IN PIXAR’S ONWARD?

The short answer to this question is that there is a gay character. There is a brief scene with a cyclops police officer that is a woman and she makes a quick reference to her girlfriend. Most likely this will go unnoticed by young viewers, and even most adults because it is such a casual mention.

LEARNING ELEMENTS from a Christian Guy Perspective for the Onward Movie

Because our family uses movies to teach our children, and because movies can be a great teaching element, here are some concepts that can be used to teach with this movie.

Ian is unsure of himself early on, but decides to make a list of things he wants to accomplish. Sometimes those things we want to do in life may seem difficult, but through perseverance you can make them happen. And if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!

Another topic you can use for teaching is to try to look at things from a different perspective. You might try to find something all your life, and never realize it could have been right in front of you all along.

One more teachable moment involves Ian and Barley during their quest. Barley is bold but somewhat of a screw up, while Ian is shy, more reserved and level headed. Many times in life, the safe path seems to make the most sense, but often times the bolder or riskier path will take you where you need to go.

Movies also can be used to teach current culture and what is popular. Unicorns are wildly popular. Have your children look for other pop culture references within the movie.

Finally, sometimes sacrifices need to be made for the ones you love. Be prepared to make those sacrifices because the results may turn out better than you could ever imagine. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us all to give eternal life. The least we can do here on earth is to love one another as He loved us.

RECOMMENDATION for Viewing Onward Movie

I attended this movie with my sons Marcus and Jack-Jack, and we gave it 3 Thumbs Up!!! There was little in the way of violence or language. Onward provided all 3 of us with an entertaining experience and some laugh out loud moments. Onward which is rated PG is one of the milder movies of that rating. I would recommend this movie for 6 and up.

BONUS Material with Onward

There was a preview show before Onward started, much like most Pixar movies. With many of the recent purchases of new IP’s by Disney, Fox being one of them, that puts The Simpsons under their umbrella. Yes, the short was a Simpsons short. I have never been a fan of the show, but this short was actually kind of cute! It was completely told without words, was well done and surprisingly good.

Let us know in the comments below what you think of this review, Onward, and the Simpsons short!!! 

More Christian Movie Reviews:

Doolittle Movie Review

Spies in Disguise Movie Review

Frozen 2 Movie Review

Jeff Moliterno

JUST A SMALL TOWN BOY. Welcome! My name is Jeff Moliterno – husband, dad, born and raised in the Midwest. I have called Ohio home my entire life. Married for 35 years; proud dad of 5 children (yadda, yadda, yadda…