The fantastical creatures—unicorns, pixies, elves, and wizards—seem to have lost their wonder in “Onward,” a predictable animated film from Pixar. The movie takes place in an ordinary-looking fantasy world and follows two teenage brothers on a quest to locate a magical gem that might restore some enchantment to their family. Ian (voiced by Tom Holland) and his older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) are still grieving the loss of their father, which happened several years earlier. Ian was very young when he died, and Barley has few memories of him. When their mother (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) gives Ian a present that their deceased dad left for his sixteenth birthday, it’s revealed to be a wizard's staff with instructions for a spell that can briefly bring him back. A mishap occurs, and the two brothers must go on a perilous journey to find what they need before nightfall. Adventures meant for the screen should usually be thrilling, but this one is rather lackluster. The narrative feels intimate yet seems to have been toned down to appeal to a wider audience. It’s most effective when it focuses on the idea of reconnecting with family, particularly as the brothers use their road trip to find common ground in how they cope with grief and regret. These moments are touching, and the film's genuine emotion serves as a pleasant reminder that we shouldn’t squander the time we have. The movie has an odd similarity to "Weekend at Bernie’s," because the two teenagers drive around in a rock n’ roll van carrying the lower half of their resurrected father. It isn’t particularly humorous, and the serious themes of loss and the importance of family are likely to affect viewers who have experienced bereavement and wish for just one more day with someone they miss. The film is peculiar and has an unresolved conclusion that doesn't quite deliver on its promise. “Onward” fails to capitalize on a promising starting point, which is disappointing. The plot feels repetitive and unsurprising; the story sentimental and lengthy. It’s among the least impressive movies from Pixar, though it does satisfy the studio’s basic requirements for acceptable quality (excellent animation, talented voice acting, an average story). A bit more magic would have helped.

Source on TMDB