I’m going to state right from the start, until the story itself told me otherwise, I had thought the main characters were trolls.

That out of the way, let’s talk about Pixar’s 2020 movie, Onward. We’re treated to a delightful bit of backstory about how technological advancement turned a fantastical world into something far more mundane. While still boasting obvious fantasy trappings, this world of elves and centaurs and minotaurs is very recognizable as our own modern era (or more specifically, something that feels kinda 1980s-ish, before cell phones and computers were everywhere).

On his 16th birthday, protagonist Ian Lightfoot receives a package left for him by the father who died when he was either a baby or not yet quite born. It’s a wizard staff and everything he needs for a spell to let his father’s spirit visit the land of the living for one day.

A chance for father and son to finally meet.

Ian’s older brother tries the spell but can’t manage. But a later attempt by Ian to get it to… Well, when the spell goes awry, they manage to bring back half of their dad, and not the half that talks. The lower half of their father seems to get the idea of what’s going on, but there’s only so much he can do when there’s a glowing rift where his upper torso should start.

To try the spell again and bring their dad the rest of the way back, the boys embark on a journey to locate and retrieve the rare gem the spell requires.

Hijinks ensue.

Pixar really nails the emotional notes on this one. The characters feel fully developed and have strong motivations in every direction, whether helpful to the protagonists or not.

The worldbuilding of the modernized fantasy realm is a lot of fun, too. I’m especially fond of the unicorns as vermin and the biker gang pixies both playing off-type compared to their standard lore. And, as always, Pixar nails the fun visual details of how fantasy pervades the universe.

If you missed this one because you were mysteriously not going out much back in 2020, this is a fair time to circle back and grab a watch.

If you’ve got Disney+, go check it out.

Note: Try not to look away while people are talking. I got stuck hearing the MCs as Spiderman and Star Lord for my troubles.