Well, everyone, hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving almost a couple weeks ago. Anyway, today, we are going to be diving into Disney’s latest animated film, one that is Disney’s first attempt at science fiction since the 2000s, when the company had other science fiction animated films like 2001’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire, 2002’s Treasure Planet, or 2007’s Meet The Robinsons. So now, let’s dive into reviewing Strange World.
Plot: In the fictional world of Avalonia, a farmer named Searcher Clade (Jake Gylenhaal), and his family become farmers, and farm a new green plant that he discovered on an expedition years before called Pando. One day, Callisto Mal (Lucy Liu), who was an old friend of Searcher, and his father, Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid) informs Searcher, and his family that the Pando plant is beginning to lose it’s magical power. Now, as the family embark on a new mission with Callisto, and her crew, will they discover why Pando is losing it’s power, or will it remain a mystery, and cause Avalonia to land in a world of hurt, and devastation?
Wow, Disney, you really hit a new low with this film. First of all, it is tragic that Disney has, for some reason, decided to make gay, or lesbian characters in films like this one, or Disney/Pixar’s Lightyear, or films like these. However, after seeing this film, I can confidently say that Lightyear, while having a minor lesbian character, can still be appreciated more. And here’s why. First of all, at least with Lightyear, yes, it was tragic that a female was lesbian, and managed to have a kid with her partner somehow. However, at least that one generally focused more on the story than that lesbian deal for Lightyear. Now, how about Strange World! This film does somewhat focus a little more on the story. However, you have some things that should not be in a film that’s geared for both children, and adults. One most notable example is a scene when a character, who IS straight, encourages one of the main characters, who is sadly gay, to pursue a relationship with someone that is of the same gender. I’m sorry, but that is sending some convoluted messages, especially to kids, wouldn’t you say? Not only that, but this film also has additional convoluted messages about “exploring your feelings,” and other bull crap like these as well. Honestly, I will say that I was glad to not have kids quite yet when seeing a film like Strange World, as I would have probably not seen this film after hearing rumors about the gay deal being in this film. Even then, Strange World suffers from having additional flaws as well. One of the film’s main problems is that this Disney animated film suffers from having a story that turns out to be very lackluster. I don’t if this is a result of there being a change of leadership at Disney within the past few years, there being creative differences, this film probably being rushed, Strange World likely focusing a little to much on advertising propaganda, or creating an antenna of some kind, or some other reason. Well, whatever the reason is, Strange World doesn’t live up to the amazing creativity that was found in many of Disney’s other films like Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, The Lion King, or even more recent films like Zootopia, Raya & The Last Dragon, and Encanto, for instance. Don’t get me wrong. There is still some emotion, and heart to this story, especially when it comes to some of the main relationships, and some of the world building of Avalonia. However, compared to the world building that was found in many of Disney’s other animated films, especially their more recent ones, the amount of depth, and heart is lacking by a long shot here in Strange World. In addition to all of this, the characters, namely the side ones, seem to be very one-noted, and not all that memorable because of that. Yes, you’ll like Searcher Clade, and his father, Jaeger Clade, and even Searcher’s son, Ethan, even though it’s tragic how Disney decided to write his character up. Oh, and there are a couple of fun side characters that come in the form of a tripod dog named Legend, and a gooey shaped figure named Splat.
But are there some upsides? Well, as mentioned before, there is some heart to the story, the characters, and a little bit of the world building. Strangely enough, when you see the end of this film, you may find yourself thinking that there should be a sequel, even though that won’t be the case, considering how poorly Strangle World has performed at the box-office. There are also some fun side characters that stand out with the dog, Legend, and the gooey creature, Splat. In addition, to these, there’s the score. Henry Jackman composes. I will say that even though his musical score is not quite the best for this one, it is still very good, especially around the beginning of the film. Also, how can you go wrong with having the cast include people like Dennis Quaid, and Jake Gyllenhaal?
And that concludes my review for Strange World. I would say that unless you are able to see movies for free at either AMC theaters, or Regal theaters, definitely skip Strange World. I hate to say that especially as someone who has loved Disney’s animated films for most of my life. However, because of there being convoluted messages, and other issues, Strange World doesn’t even come close to loving it’s full potential. Honestly, this film should have either been a longer live-action film, or gone through one, or two more rewrites, and be rid of any political statements as well. Oh, and before I wrap things up, I would like to say something for the Disney company for nowadays. So here it goes! Disney, you need start being more careful about caving into certain groups, and being people pleasers. That is especially since places like China, parts of the Middle East, and other regions have begun to ban your more recent films as a result of you putting things like LGTBQ material in some of your newer films, and things like that. So please do learn from films like this, and Lightyear, and not out that kind of stuff in future films again, and return to the old roots that Walt Disney would have wanted. Because Disney, if you don’t learn your lesson, and finally get the message, your animation department will likely go bankrupt, and you will be remembered for destroying Disney, and it’s animation industry, rather than what Walt’s legacy for animation was all about in the first place, beginning with Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, and onwards. So, ask yourselves, “Is that what you want?”. Anyway, that being said, pretend like last year’s Encanto is still Disney’s latest animated film, and skip Strange World, and leave it underground where it belongs.
Final Grade: C-
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 