While on the flight home from vacation, I finally got around to watching Onward. After the fiasco that was Soul, I’d been wary of watching Onward. However, I needn’t have worried.
Onward was fun. The adventure held a much nicer surface message than Soul: “you are enough” with a side of “there is more to you than you realize.” Ian, who feels like an outcast, learns just how much he’s capable of as the movie progresses. He also realizes just how much he already has.
Onward‘s secondary message was equally lovely: “Be true to yourself.” We see that clearly in Barley’s fearless pursual of what he loves and believes in, despite what everyone around him thinks. And the Manticore is forcibly reminded of just who she really is, and how much she enjoys being that person.
Part of Ian’s aforementioned realization relates to his brother. Their relationship makes Onward feel like a spiritual sibling to Frozen. The focus is a sibling relationship that isn’t what it could be. Despite that, though, there is no meanness between them. Barley champions his little brother like Anna champions Elsa. They help each other be the best they can be.
I would have like to see a bit more of the future in Onward‘s world. Did more people start learning magic? Did other creatures get in tough with their ancient abilities? It would have been cool to see, even if only in the credits like with Wall-E and Wreck it Ralph.
It’s well worth watching Onward if you haven’t yet. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would, and appreciated the positivity.
So, what do you think? Have you watched Onward? If so, did you like it? If not, do you think you will? Let me know in the comments.
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