At the end of 2022, Disney released a new animated film called “Strange World,” directed by Jon Hall. Looking at the box office numbers one might say that the film bombed and wasn’t very good. “Strange World” isn’t actually that bad and provides what I think to be a new, and strange, alien world for the audience to explore, while maintaining typical themes seen in Disney animated films. Perhaps the film is a bit predictable in that our main characters go on a journey that’s physically grand, while the characters also experience moments of self-discovery that will help shape their future.
We’re given an interesting family dynamic that spans three generations. Dennis Quaid voices Jaeger Clade, a famous explorer known on the planet Avalonia, who prioritizes his need for adventure over settling down with his family. Jaeger’s son, Searcher Clade, voiced by Jake Gyllenhaal, would rather settle down and learn the way of the land in order to survive.
Twenty five years pass and Searcher has developed scientific advances using the abundant alien plant life. He also has his own son now, named Ethan Clade, who is voiced by Jaboukie Young-White. Ethan grew up as a farmer with his father, but longs for the excitement of exploration, taking after his grandfather. Plot events happen, and suddenly we find our cast, including Ethan’s mom and Searcher’s wife Meridian Clade, voiced by Gabrielle Union, going on an epic journey. During their escapades, the family has to learn to work together in order to save their colony. As this is a Disney movie, by the end of the film we are left satisfied and happy with how our cast is wrapped up.
My favorite part of this film is the visual landscape. It’s a Disney animation, so going into the film you already sort of know what to expect. Since the setting of this movie is on an alien world, they were able to take some creative liberties without ruining the verisimilitude of the film. The plant life glows and looks lively and the creatures are unique and fantastical, bringing you into their magical world.
In contrast to the bubbly life of this strange world, the human-made structures and vehicles look more ragtag and cozy. Overall, I couldn’t help but allow myself to get immersed into this fun sci-fi world. My favorite alien creature would have to be the one that Ethan calls Splat, an adorable blue blob with four arms and two legs and an attitude.
Overall, this film isn’t the best, but it does have some value to it. I’d rate it 3/5 Ninja Turtles, and if it weren’t for the dazzling animation and familial themes that are explored, I would have rated this lower. If you’re a fan of Disney animated films then this is worth watching, as it’s streamable on Disney+. If you don’t normally watch Disney or animated films, then I would probably pass on this one.
