Set in a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers embark on a quest to discover if there is still magic out there.
Pixar is at it again, pressing emotional buttons and presenting anyone who listens with a kid-friendly and somewhat tear-jerking story of family dysfunction that seemingly comes as a result of an absent father. Ian and Barley Lightfoot are two brothers who have distinct and opposite personalities that only a single mother, Laura Lightfoot (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) could find a way to embrace. Ian (Tom Holland) is somewhat an introvert who has problems at school because he doesn’t quite fit in. Barley (Chris Pratt) is an overbearing bully-type whose only interests appear to be in studying magical takeaways from an ancient kingdom called Mushroomton, and in keeping his little brother in check. On Ian’s 16th Birthday, the goal was to invite a group of cool kids from his school to come by his house and eat Birthday cake. The plan goes awry when Barley shows up in the midst of the invite and embarrasses Ian by trying to corral the group into a ride in his custom van he passionately refers to as Gwiniver. Saddened by the missed opportunity to fraternize with his school mates, Ian’s mom Laura, presents a magical stick and offers it to both her sons hoping that they will uncover a magic spell that will allow them to spend one day with their father Wilden (Kyle Bornheimer), who passed away years ago before ever getting to meet Ian.
The adventure and pure chaos begin when the two brothers attempt to use their individual illogical thinking in order to figure out a plan. Bailey seems to have more experience given his entire adoration of the world of magic, and Ian seems to believe that he is the more stable- minded of the two and can find a clear path to release the magical powers of the stick. When they both try to release the magic, it backfires and results in only a portion of the father being visible from the waist down. At that very moment, Bailey assures Ian that they must travel to the magical land that he has read about and dreamed of, and only there can they gain the full body of their dad and be able to spend precious time with him. Without their mom’s initial knowledge and only a limited amount of time left to be able to spend with their father, they embark on a magical journey that leads them to discover an entire world of fairies and then the ultimate run-in with The Manticore (Octavia Spencer), who is the only one who has knowledge of where to find of piece that fully activates the power in the magical stick.
The surprising twists and turns in the adventure are hilarious, heartwarming and, at times sad, as Ian and Barley come to realize how much their bond is defined by the impact of their father’s memory and the love and nurturing spirit of their mother who has been dutifully present in each of their lives. Director Dan Scanlon did an excellent job with the casting of the roles of the main characters and the supporting roles such as Lena Waithe and Ali Wong as Police Officers and Tracey Ullman as the Pawn Shop owner. The creative way in which he added character to these simple roles and invoked resolution to the daily problems of today’s youth and families as a whole, is nothing short of remarkable while still focusing upon the endearing concept of magic which is a favorite among youth of every age level. I highly recommend this film for giving insight into working through chaotic situations, while still maintaining an outlet for self-discovery through hilarious predicaments and self-awareness.
In Theaters Friday, March 6th
