Three Reasons Disney Pixar Onward Is a Three Tissue Movie

I confess. I spent the past week in New Orleans and sailing on the Disney Wonder. You might say I dropped out for a bit. So, I had heard nothing about Disney Pixar Onward. Not a lick. Of course, when I was offered the chance to pre-screen this flick I still jumped. Pixar movies never miss the mark. BOY, was that the case here. Unfortunately, I was not forewarned. I had not brought my tissues…

*** A no-spoiler review. Though I was granted free admission to this screening, my opinions are pure. And my own.

Three Reasons Disney Pixar Onward Is a Three Tissue Movie

You should know up front that I have two boys- born two years apart. Unlike what is portrayed in this movie, they are both blessed with two caring and involved parents. No, my boys’ special bond was formed when my youngest was diagnosed with autism. Though he had no language until he was four years of age, my older son never had difficulty understanding him. If D needed help, it was K who came to his rescue. He carried him around like a papa. He fixed his puzzles when D would become frustrated. “Magically,” their common sixth sense transcended any speech, occupational, or mommy therapy given. I was struck to see a similar bond played out in Pixar Onward. Tissue number one.

The Premise

In a mythical land, two teenage elfin brothers go on the journey of a lifetime. In every possible sense of the word. On Ian’s (Tom Holland) 16th birthday, he is given a gift left to him by his late dad. Along with his older brother Barley (Chris Pratt) they search for the magic to bring their father back to life for 24 hours. In their “dungeons and dragons” adventure, they discover the unexpected.

Magic is for Real

We think it exists only in books. Or fairy tales. Or at Walt Disney World. Sometimes, if we think and feel deeply enough, it’s discovered in our own backyard.

Selfless Love Exists

Perhaps it can be chalked up to the indefinable bonds that exist between siblings. More so with brothers or sisters who fight to overcome the odds. The protective instincts are real and run deep. And present in Disney Pixar Onward. Tissue two.

You May See Your Family On the Screen

Family dynamics are often complicated, but in retrospect, form the beautiful adults our children grow to become. I wonder if my younger son truly understands the role my oldest played in his life. Hopefully, he does. Maybe I’ll send him to see this film… Hint hint. Tissue #3.

Onward opens in theaters today!