Through tales of toys, cars, monsters, robots and rats, Pixar has created a reputation for jaw-dropping animated cinema that speaks to the most tender parts of the human experience.

The renowned studio's latest offering, Onward, centres on an average teen boy who has common concerns. He frets over making friends. He fears learning to drive. Most of all, he worries over what path to take to become a good man, like his late father. The only thing that sets this plucky hero apart from the boy next door is that Ian Lightfoot is an elf.

Directed by Dan Scanlon, Onward is set in a world of elves, centaurs, Cyclopes, satyrs and pixies, a world that was once full of magic, wonder and adventure. However, once technological advances lead to a slew of modern conveniences like indoor lighting, gas stoves and mobile phones, these mythical creatures gave up on their wild side, turned their backs on the relics of old and lost touch with magic.

Nowadays, they live in a cosy town where houses are shaped like toadstools, skyscrapers have castle-like towers and instead of raccoons rummaging through bins, they've got dirty, hissing unicorns.

Amid all this is Ian (Tom Holland), a bashful birthday boy who has just turned 16. According to his brash brother, Barley (Chris Pratt), who is obsessed with role-playing games and magical history, this milestone means Ian must go on a quest to prove his manhood. Ian's not interested until his mother (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) unveils a special gift from the father he has never met. It's a staff, a gem and an incantation that can bring the boys' dad back for one day.

It's a charming story that will tug at your heartstrings from the very start with its tale of father-son yearning and brotherly love. Onward makes the most out of its fantastical setting by dropping in all kinds of curious creatures in thoughtful ways.

Instead of a giddy puppy scampering underfoot, the Lightfoot family has a little pet dragon. Instead of a mounted police officer, this neighbourhood is looked after by centaur cop named Officer Colt Bronco (Mel Rodriquez). And rather than your biker gang of big, burly dudes, there's a gang of mostly female pixies, who are small yet just as burly and raring to tear down the road and fly into the fray.

An impeccable voice cast brings these legendary creatures to vibrant life. Holland delivers a sweetness as Ian, playing flustered and fascinated with equal gusto. Pratt brings his signature blend of goofiness, giddiness and bravado to Barley.

Still, there seems to be something missing from Onward. On its own, it's undeniably delightful. However, when compared to the best of Pixar, its charms ring a bit hollow. There's nothing here that challenges audiences like the cantankerous protagonist of Up or the complicated journey of friendship in Toy Story.

Without such a risk, this Pixar offering falls a bit short of the astronomical standards the highly acclaimed studio has set. It's a very good movie, but missing that dash of daring it's not up there on the highest echelon.

Kristian’s rating: 4/5