Onward ★★★★★

April 4th, 2020

Common Sense Media Age: 7+ Violence 3/5 Language 1/5

My Age Recommendation: 7+ (Due to some thematic elements)

After learning that Disney+ decided to put Onward on their streaming service (even though it had only been out for less than a month), I researched the reviews on this movie. Almost everyone gave it at least four stars, and these were adults! I told my brothers, and we made it a family movie night. This movie is about two brothers, Ian and Barley, who are given a present from their deceased dad that was only to be opened when they are both over 16. The present was a wizard staff that had a spell that could bring back their father for one day. When they tried the spell, the crystal in the wand shattered, and only half of the father was brought back. The brothers embark on a journey to find another crystal to bring their dad back before it is too late. Meanwhile, the mom learns that a curse that takes form of a dragon will appear if her sons find the crystal, and the mom teams up with a mighty Manticore to save her sons. Let me say, I wasn't expecting this movie to be good. It wasn't cliché like most Disney movies (other than the fact that a parent is dead). The plot was great, and the execution was amazing. The characters were well developed in their background stories, and the themes of teamwork and compassion really made this movie a 5 star delight. Overall, this is an amazing movie for the whole family to enjoy!