Strange World
A journey deep into an uncharted and treacherous land, where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades—a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest, and by far most crucial, mission.
- Released:
- Runtime: 102 minutes
- Genre: Animation, Family
- Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Alan Tudyk, Dennis Quaid, Gabrielle Union, Jaboukie Young-White, Lucy Liu, Alan Tudyk
- Director: Qui Nguyen
Comments
- gavin-thelordofthefu-48-460297 - 17 January 2024
Nothing groundbreaking, but a fun adventure movie nonetheless
Back at 2022, I saw some trailers for this movie almost a year after seeing Encanto and thought it looked kind of unique in it's own direction. Later on, it turned out that Disney itself added little to no marketing to the film which was the only reason why it flopped at the box office, but in spite of that, I managed to buy a ticket and went to the movie. After that, it turned out to be a decent enough flick. Is it one of the strongest? Not quite, but at the very least it's better than Ralph Breaks The Internet and Raya and the Last Dragon (the former of which was mediocre and the latter of which was just fine).
There are some problems I do have. I understand that it tried to do a representation of an LBGTQ+ character (which is Ethan Clade) and it's handled well, but it added nothing to the overall concept of the story which is inspired by pulp magazines and other sci-fi adventure movies. Even the execution of the story is somewhat predictable. Also, while the character designs aren't completely terrible, they could've been a whole lot better (although the designs of the creatures in Strange World have some creativity especially Splat and Legend the dog does look cute) and the background characters that aren't the main leads are underdeveloped.
That being said, there are some things I liked about the movie. The voice work is superb with Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, Lucy Liu, and Alan Tudyk bring some energy and charisma to their respective roles. The main leads, especially Jaeger Clade, Searcher Clade, and Ethan Clade, aren't exactly the best protagonists, but they do have some likeability and have decent character arcs. The visuals, especially Avalonia, and the strange world itself which is Pando, are so gorgeous and colorful. Not to mention the action sequences are very intense. And last, but not least the music score from Henry Jackman which enhances action and atmosphere of the movie very well with a catchy song "We're The Clades".
Overall, Strange World isn't exactly a groundbreaking movie, but it's fun adventure movie that tried to do something with it's ideas when compared to Wish (an 100th anniversary movie that also had good ideas but fell short in execution). - lolita-minako - 29 August 2023
Proof that Marketing is Important
"Strange World" is proof that the Disney name doesn't guarantee feature film success. I work at a Disney Store, and the lack of marketing this film had was tragic. Is it Disney's best animated film? Of course not, but it deserves a bit more love than it received. It has range, from familial relationships and dynamics to the importance of taking care of the environment over fame and glory..."Strange World" has a big heart. On a technical standpoint, it's beautifully animated and had a fantastic cast. While the humor didn't have me clutching my sides, I smiled and chuckled throughout, and the sci-fi adventure themes are certainly present. It's sort of Star Trek meets Chronicles of Narnia meets Avatar, in a patchwork quilt sort of way that is weirdly endearing. It is unique, and unlike the rest of Disney's repertoire.
It really deserves a watch, especially if you already have Disney+. - carissav-96812 - 11 January 2023
Simple feel good movie with fun animation!
I've seen a TON of bad reviews or this movie, and though it is a bit generic, it's honestly undeserving of the low ratings. With realistic characters and a cute story, it really went above my expectations! Not my absolute favorite but I certainly enjoyed this a lot more than Disney's recent films. Lots of people have complained about a lack of connection or excitement surrounding the characters. To this I'd compare older movies like Aristocats, Robin Hood, or Sword in the Stone. Not too much "happens" but it's pleasing to look at and a nice "winding down" feel good kind of film. Despite odd pacing with the plot, the dialogue felt realistic and the film had a pretty concrete path it followed. Overall, I'd give it a solid 7/10, for its nostalgic look and homely feel. Wasn't the best but was overall a sweet film! - ensilumikarppi - 6 January 2023
Beautiful
Beautiful like a picture book with engaging characters and (for Disney) some unique family dynamics. I mean, when did the parents ever before take part in their kid's adventures in a Disney movie? Weren't parents (or lack thereof) supposed to be just a part of the framework or the initiating incident that forces the teenagers to be the heroes in the world of useless (or evil) adults?
Here Disney has boldly decided that they don't necessarily always have to teach kids that the only way to have adventures and build independent thoughts and skills is apart from their family. Parents can actually be a part of that journey; parents usually are supposed to be a part of that. What a revelation. Applause for that, Disney.
On the other hand, as beautiful and as refreshing as Strange Worlds was, it also suffered from the very things that made it so fresh. The security of the main family lacked a moving force for the plot, it didn't have much to build towards. The movie also didn't demonstrate well any outside force strong enough to move the well balanced family to action that would grip a moviegoer more than as a curious excitement. I wonder if the writers depended too much on the novelty of this new kind of main ensemble that they forgot to put equal effort to the plot.
Everything was solved too smoothly. The support of parents and a grandparent and adult family friends and a convenient blue blob meant that even the potentially more threatening parts of the "strange world" didn't feel that threatening. It was only a slightly thrilling joyride of an adventure, not a "real" overcoming-of-world-ending-evil-or-at-least-lasting-emotional-damage adventure.
But isn't that kind of what a safe childhood is supposed to feel like, a thrilling joyride with some dangers that are actually proportionally possible for a kid to overcome and where parents and other adults are there to help when it gets too much for their skills. I'm not saying that the slow dying of a world supporting gigantic living organism is a proportionally appropriate challenge for a teenager to solve. The movie just made it feel like, with the support of family, it very well could be. I think that is a beautiful message for a family movie.
All in all, I think Strange World succeeded in being a beautiful picture book of a utopian fantasy movie, and (hopefully) one of the many coming Disney films that dare to challenge (not demolish) the expected format of a moving picture storytelling. - silverdragon-52457 - 4 January 2023
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Potential spoiler of plot.
Don't go into this hoping for the next tear jerker Disney movie. Just let it be a stand alone movie. It does start off slow. But it is inclusive without being pandering, as Disney has been known to be. The characters just exist as they are. You know like real lgbtq+ people.
It has a good story, pretty good characters and great cgi. It's not massively original in it's story nor the way it gets there. Completely original movies are VERY few and far between. But it is an extremely important story to tell. And an important time to be telling the story.
This is a good movie if you give it a chance and don't go in hoping for the next Encanto, or Up. - xnomesx-747-92830 - 1 January 2023
Stunning film about looking for the bigger picture
This film is visually stunning, but its message to always look for the bigger picture and not just at what is right in front of you is fantastic. There's a touch of Terry Pratchett about it, particularly the final reveal, and other influences such as 'Star Wars', 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth', and more than a little of 'Up!'.
We were caught a little off-guard by the amount of emphasis there was on the father-son dynamic, parents not showing that their are proud of their children or even letting their children down, and not seeing their children for who they are instead of who their parents want them to be. However, I do think that's something that would only be an issue for anyone who is particularly sensitive to these topics and even with that we still enjoyed the film.
Honestly, I can't understand why it has so many poor reviews. All in all it was perfect for getting snuggled up at home and watching as a New Year's Day matinee. - sarahmorrison-26539 - 30 December 2022
Different type of disney
Ok so not the worst Disney film in the world and has a strong message to take from it but that message is kinda different for everyone. It's like an odd mishmash of movies with a hint of terry pratchett right at the end, when you watch this you'll understand what I mean if you love the books.
Glad I've seen it and it's a suitable family movie. Graphics are good and the characters are different for Disney. It's a good journey to the Center of the earth Meets indiana jones with non traditional characters. Dennis Quaid jake gillenhall and Lucy liu were probably the right voices for this movie. Go see it and make your own mind up. - kinepeli - 29 December 2022
It's a visually striking movie, with some good lessons.
Idk why the low ratings. Most can relate to not wanting to be just like their parents or parents wanting kids to fall in their footsteps. Most people understand that what is comfortable, isn't always good for the environment & most in a continuous learning environment understand that sometimes the mission changes as you get more educated and experienced. Adding to it, beautiful visuals & very much an Avatar mixed with Matrix vibe. Our family loved it!! Dennis, Jake, Jaboukie, Gabrielle, & Lucy are perfect main character voices. The lil'" snot bubble" Splat has some redemption & hero moments & gives cute comedic effect. - doofusmcsweeney - 26 December 2022
Disney at its best
It's been a while since a Disney animated movie swept me along with joy - I dare say not since 2016's Moana. The animation is crisp and fresh, the characters are wonderfully 3 dimensional and the story has real heart.
It reminded me of Raiders of the Lost Ark in terms of exciting setpieces. I found myself not blinking during some of these sequences. Very much nail biting stuff. And at its heart is the age old tale of stepping out of your parents shadow and creating your own path but told in a heartfelt and at times very funny way.
Jake Gyllenhaal does some great voice work and a shout out to Dennis Quaid as his gruff tough dad. The only downside is that the women come across as afterthoughts in the story.
Take the family to see it. A must watch on the big screen. - denniskin - 25 December 2022
Nothing wrong with this movie.
This movie is good and I'm kind of wondering why everyone is complaining. It's for kids and I really see nothing wrong with it to deserve such low ratings. The story is about living harmoniously with nature and to follow one's own path in life, all wrapped up in an adventure story on a crazy lovecraftian landscape. It was cool enough to me. Don't listen to these reviews, let your kid watch the movie, the ask if they hated it. As an adult, it passed the time better than most Disney cartoons. When I was young I hated the little mermaid, Snow White, beauty and the beast, and most other Disney cartoons( alladin was good though). If strange world came out when I was young I would of thought it was great.
