Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
In a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there.
Onward is a heartfelt Pixar entry with a genuinely emotionally resonant ending that delivers a gut-punch twist on the brothers' quest — easily its strongest category. The suburban fantasy world concept is inventive and distinctive enough to lift Novelty to above average, blending mundane modernity with classic fantasy tropes in a fresh way. Plot and acting (voice performances) are solid but not exceptional — the quest structure is familiar and the comedy-adventure beats are fairly conventional for Pixar. Cinematography is competent Pixar work with vibrant color and good staging, but doesn't reach the visual boldness of Coco or Into the Spider-Verse. The emotional payoff elevates the film above its somewhat by-the-numbers middle section.