Onward Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two elf brothers accidentally summon only half their dead dad and then go on a road trip to get the rest of him back, avoiding magical biker gangs and learning about brotherhood along the way.

🍿 Onward: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Magical Gift

In a suburban fantasy world where magic has faded, elf brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot live in New Mushroomton. Ian, awkward and insecure, struggles to find his place, while Barley is an enthusiastic, history-obsessed RPG gamer. Their father, Wilden, died before Ian was born, leaving a void in both their lives.

The Visitation Spell

On Ian’s 16th birthday, they receive a gift from their late father: a magical staff and a spell to bring him back for one day. Ian accidentally casts the spell, but it only revives Wilden’s legs. To complete the spell, they must find a Phoenix Gem before time runs out. The brothers embark on a quest in Barley’s beloved van, Guinevere.

Quest for the Phoenix Gem

Their journey takes them to the Manticore’s Tavern, a family restaurant run by Corey, a former adventurer. They learn about Raven’s Point, a location with clues to the gem. As they follow the trail, they face obstacles, evade the police, and confront a pixie motorcycle gang. Along the way, Ian discovers his magical abilities, while Barley relies on his RPG knowledge.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland): A shy teenage elf who discovers his magical abilities and embarks on a quest to resurrect his deceased father for a day.
• Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt): Ian’s older, enthusiastic, and somewhat reckless brother, a history and RPG fanatic who aids Ian on their magical quest.
• Laurel Lightfoot (Julia Louis-Dreyfus): The mother of Ian and Barley, a strong and determined woman who supports her sons and joins in their quest.
• The Manticore (Octavia Spencer): A former warrior turned tavern owner who helps Laurel in her quest to find her sons.
• Colt Bronco (Mel Rodriguez): Laurel’s centaur boyfriend and a police officer, who is initially disliked by Ian and Barley but eventually earns their respect.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Barley: “A wizard never gives up! Because a wizard… has… tenacity!” – Barley encourages Ian to keep trying to use magic, highlighting his unwavering belief in the power of magic and perseverance.
• Ian: “I can do this. I am light of foot!” – Ian’s self-affirmation before attempting a difficult magical feat, showing his growing confidence and determination.
• Barley: “History is a living thing, Ian! You can’t just read about it in some dusty old book!” – Barley’s passionate explanation of his love for history and its relevance to their quest.
• Ian: “I’ve never had a dad, but I’ve always had you.” – Ian’s realization of Barley’s role as a father figure, expressing gratitude and love for his brother.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $175,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $61,555,145
• Worldwide Gross: $141,940,042

💥 Onward Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Onward! The whole concept of magic returning to a modern, suburban world was so creative. I especially liked the scenes where Ian was learning to use his magic – it reminded me of learning something new and being unsure of myself. The ending, where Ian realizes Barley was the father figure he needed all along, really got to me. I bawled my eyes out! It’s a movie I’ll definitely watch again and again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming adventure”
  • “Fans of fantasy and role-playing games”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories about brotherly love and self-discovery”
  • “Those seeking a film with emotional depth and humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with themes of death and grief”
  • “Some mild fantasy violence”
  • “May evoke sadness due to the father-son relationship”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Onward offers a charming and inventive adventure, blending fantasy with relatable family dynamics. The heartfelt story and stunning animation make it a worthwhile watch for all ages.
• Common Sense Media: “This animated film has a lot of heart and humor. It shows brothers who fight like real brothers, and a single mom who takes action. The adventure keeps kids engaged, and the emotional moments are touching without being overly sappy.
• IGN: “Onward is a fun, heartfelt adventure with great voice acting. While it does rely on some familiar tropes, the unique world and the strong brotherly bond make it a memorable addition to Pixar’s library.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the sibling rivalry that was funny and relatable.: Many viewers found the brotherly bond heartwarming and the fantasy setting unique.

Many viewers found the movie to be funny and heart-warming.: The humour resonated well especially the scenes with fantasy creatures in suburban settings.

Overall Consensus: Onward is a heartwarming and imaginative adventure that explores themes of family, loss, and self-discovery. While some critics found it predictable, the majority praised its emotional depth, stunning visuals, and strong voice acting performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The filmmakers drew inspiration from tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons to create the film’s fantasy setting and adventure.”
• “To make the partially-conjured dad appear both humorous and sympathetic, the animators focused on creating expressive and emotive ‘leg acting’.”
• “The design of the Manticore’s tavern was influenced by both medieval taverns and modern family restaurants, blending fantasy and suburban elements.”

🖥️ How to Watch Onward?

Onward is available for streaming on Disney+. You can also rent or purchase it from digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Onward, you might like these similar films:

• The Goonies (1985): Features a group of young underdogs on a treasure hunt adventure, with a similar theme of friendship and overcoming obstacles.
• Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023): This movie, based on the iconic tabletop game, shares the same fantasy adventure and quirky humor.
• Brother Bear (2003): Focuses on the bond between two brothers and their journey of self-discovery in a magical, nature-filled setting.
• Kubo and the Two Strings (2016): A visually stunning animated adventure with mythical elements and a focus on family bonds and legacy.

🛒 Onward Related Products

• Onward: Ian’s Quest (Disney Storybook): A beautifully illustrated storybook that dives deeper into Ian’s character and his journey of self-discovery, perfect for young readers and fans of the movie.
• Onward: The Board Game: Embark on your own quest in this cooperative board game where you and your friends play as Ian, Barley, and Laurel, working together to overcome obstacles and complete the visitation spell.
• Funko Pop! Disney Pixar: Onward – Ian & Barley 2-Pack: Add these charming Funko Pop! figures of Ian and Barley to your collection, capturing their unique personalities and outfits from the movie.
• Onward – ‘Believe in Magic’ T-Shirt: Show off your love for Onward with this comfortable t-shirt featuring a stylized design and the inspiring quote ‘Believe in Magic’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Onward features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Carpe Diem” – performed by Brandi Carlile
• “Magic Staff” – performed by Mychael Danna & Jeff Danna
• “Let’s Get It On” – performed by Marvin Gaye

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Did you see this in ONWARD

Ever wondered about those background characters in movies? This video shows you how the animators snuck in a sweet detail that you may have missed, showing the depth and care put into the film.

Everything Wrong With Onward In 15 Minutes Or Less

If you’re looking for a fun and lighthearted take on the movie, watch this CinemaSins video. It’s a hilarious and eye-opening look at the film’s flaws, but presented in a way that still makes you appreciate it.

Everything GREAT About Onward!

Not convinced about Onward? This CinemaWins video will change your mind. It highlights the movie’s heartwarming moments, great characters, and overall message, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the film.

The Genius of Onward’s Ending

If you’re curious about the deeper themes and symbolism in Onward, this video is for you. It provides insightful analysis of the ending, leaving you with a newfound understanding of the film’s message and its relevance to your own life.

✨ Rate