In Disney’s and Pixar’s latest animated film, they take on a heartwarming story in a new and magical world set in familiar fantasy. Set in a world that would make Tolkien smile, Onward tackles the tough subject of the loss of family and the never ending grief that comes along with it. A tale of two young men chasing the idea of one last moment with their lost father deals with feelings and emotions we often are not brave enough to confront. Onward does this in an amazing way that brings comfort to children and adults that have felt the pain and continuing anguish of losing the closest in our lives. With a great cast and Pixar’s magic touch on animation, Onward is an instant classic that will warm the hearts of generations to come.

Chris Pratt (Barly Lightfoot) and Tom Holland (Ian Lightfoot) are great for their characters. With both having spent many hours on set together during the Avengers films, their chemistry together is solid. Pratt is a perfect voice for his character. With his known personality paired with Barly and Pixar’s amazing animation style, this character will be loved by all who see this movie. Holland portraying the younger and more timid brother is also a great match. What we know of Holland already plays well for his character as well. There are many other well known names lending their voices to great characters in Onward, but this is the duo’s movie for sure. The supporting cast may stand on their own pretty well but they really shine when supporting the brothers or advancing the story. This cast is in no way short on talent.

Full disclosure, I lost my father as a young man and recently lost my best friend who left behind children at the ages of 3-6-9, one of which I am godfather to. This movie was therapeutic to all of us. As it touched my heart to imagine a world of magic in which it may be possible to spend one more day with my own father, it was also beneficial for those children to see that they are not alone in their situation or feelings. I commend Pixar for tackling the subjects of loss and grief for children as there is not many outlets for them to explore these feelings. With the story being set in the world of fantasy it gives opportunity for many fun Easter eggs from Tolkien down to D&D which keeps the movie fun while exploring complex emotions. Onward is doing society a service by making a film of such quality. Even families that have not experienced loss as of yet can benefit from using this film to prepare children for something that is an unavoidable passage of life. You could use this film to start a dialogue for the day when a Nana or Pop Pop may be nearing their final days. Onward is going to be a part of children’s lives for generations to come. I personally thank Disney and Pixar for giving me a tool to explore complex emotions within myself and my children in an entertaining and fun way.