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Onward

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General Review

Parent's Guide to Onward

Onward is a 2020 animated urban fantasy adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. The story centers on two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who embark on a quest to discover if magic still exists in their suburban world, hoping to spend one last day with their deceased father. The film explores themes of brotherhood, grief, self-discovery, and believing in oneself, set against a backdrop of mythical creatures living modern lives. It features a fast-paced plot with elements of comedy and emotional depth, aiming for a family audience. The movie's overall appropriateness is generally considered suitable for older children and up, with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers due to some intense scenes and mild thematic elements.

Things to Consider

Medium9
LGBTQ & Gender IdentityViolenceRomance and Sexual ContentProfanityWitchcraft & OccultSubstance UseScary & Intense ContentDisrespect & RebellionAnti-Christian Themes

Additional Context

Best For Ages

Parental Guidance Recommended for ages 8 and up. While the MPAA rates Onward PG for "action/peril and some mild thematic elements", some sources recommend parental guidance for children aged 5-8 due to these elements. The film's themes of loss and the presence of fantastical creatures, magic, and moments of peril may be intense for very young or sensitive children. For children 8 and older, the positive messages about family and self-belief make it generally acceptable.

Good to Know

The film's emotional core, focusing on brotherhood and processing grief, is widely praised. While some elements might require parental discussion, the overall messages are largely positive regarding family bonds and self-belief. There are no known significant differences across theatrical, extended, or director's cuts that would alter the content warnings. No sequels have been released to track content evolution.

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