Onward. Disney +. 8/10

Onward is the latest big-budget animated feature film by the multi-billion dollar media conglomerate that is Walt Disney Pictures. I think we can all agree that as a majority we've become numb to the almost religious rituals of Pixar animated features. The big grand marketing campaigns before the release, the excitement of going into watching the film, that moment when everyone in the theater is sobbing, and then the abundance of sales of plush cute things from the movie. This system in a way has proven time and time again to not only succeed but to also draw us into the system enthusiastically self-aware, almost like cattle herding themselves to the slaughterhouse. Although this self-aware mentality might keep us reluctant to want to continue the system, this movie reminds us exactly as to what makes this system so successful in the first place. The love radiated throughout the film, the message of brotherly love, and the genius technical work presented by the animators. All of these elements come together to prove once again why watching a Pixar movie on the first date could be a bad idea, because trust me the tears will roll! This movie is astoundingly beautiful, the realism and depth the animators were able to use to find the sweet spot between what is real and fake is beyond comprehension, and frankly stresses me out a little just thinking about all of the work. I am so impressed and pleased by this picture that I could watch it again another three times and still find reasons to love it. The voice acting provided by star talents as Chris Pratt and Tom Holland only helps elevate and meets the standard of Pixar's superb animation. Although I enjoyed the watching experience, there are a few things I found myself disappointed with, one including the dialogue. At times I felt like the dialogue could be easily labeled as corny or even stereotypical, finding setups to jokes and storylines we are frequently shown, it would be nice to see Pixar bring in maybe a fresh take on their storytelling side. However, one must also remember that it's a kid's movie and it probably doesn't benefit the kids to watch a film with Kubrick level of intrinsically dialogue and storytelling. My only recommendation is, watch the movie with your family, and be prepared to laugh and cry because Pixar does not fail to touch the heart of even the coldest critics like myself.