User Reviews

... and while I think they did a great job building a world, with a lot of cool recombinations of old sci-fi concepts, the actual characters don't feel at all well sketched out and the themes and plot are remarkably thin. Like it's an okay film but it's a bit below the normal standards of Disney Animation.

The dialogue is definitely too much on the nose, and it feels pitched a little too young for what they're going for.

The main character arc of the movie is reminiscent of (and far inferior to) Mitchells vs The Machines to me, which can't be a great help. Not saying that there can only be one "quirky teen has strained relationship with father" movie but it's definitely a detriment when I'm thinking about a film that does that much better and with a whole lot more emotional complexity and heart while watching this.

Also, does anyone else feel like the sheer quantity of movies that are coming out right now that are about intergenerational trauma is getting a bit tiresome?

The environmental message is fine, but honestly it's mildly horrifying how culturally we're already at the point where kids movies are pitching "you should be willing to accept a much lower standard of living to save the planet." Not totally this movies fault, but that is where we are.

The opening sequence is really nice though, I'll say that.

Ehhh pretty generic and meh. Didn't feel much for the characters emotionally and the movie wasn't that funny. The Strange World stuff wasn't really anything I hadn't already seen before. Where the plot goes at the end thinks it's more clever than it actually is. I was underwhelmed by the entire execution.

At the end of the day, this is very weak by Modern Disney standards. It's an easy watch and the animation is decent in places, as well as the music, but overall I'm not going to remember much from it that I had already seen these premises/concepts done in movies before. A Mediocre World is what it is.

5/10.

The last fifteen minutes or so do redeem this to a certain extent, but otherwise it is a curiously disjointed story that seems drawn from "Island at the Top of the World" (1974) with bits of "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" (1959) and "The Lost World" (1960) thrown in for good measure. We start with the legendary explorer "Jaeger Clade" who is determined to find a way past the enclosing mountain peaks of their community. Like many a father, he drags along his unwilling son and when things come to an head, he proceeds alone leaving the younger man "Searcher" with his newly discovered crop of radioactive Brussels sprouts. Twenty-five years pass, and he has now grown up and successfully developed a farm of these particularly useful vegetables. He even has his own statue! Suddenly, though, the plants start to die and it falls to him and his own young son "Ethan" to embark on a perilous mission to the heart of the plant's root system and save it before it dies. These escapades are nicely and creatively animated with some fun to be had along the way, but there is simply too much sentiment, familial discord and cheesy dialogue to sustain this - as well as a dog that really annoys after a while. The characterisations are really undercooked and just about every box you can imagine is ticked as the story ultimately concludes with a bit of a nod to Oriental mythology. It is certainly watchable, but there is no need to shell out on a cinema ticket for it. Disney+ will do fine in due course when you can safely leave the kids to watch.

I honestly don't get all the hate for this movie, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's definitely not fantastic but it's not terrible neither, it's a better effort from Disney compared to recent outings. Yes the characters aren't as well developed as they could have been, the story is just a rehash of everything that's been done before, the ideas don't really go anywhere, and certain situations just conveniently resolve themselves without much effort. But what did you expect from Disney these days? Just turn off your brain and keep expectations low and you'll find there's a lot to like; I love the Star Trek vibe, the creatures in the strange world were pretty cool, the blue blob was a lot of fun, the three-legged dog was awesome, I'm not sure why he was there and why he had to be three-legged but what the heck, he's a good boy! Just like the movie, it's flawed and you're not sure why it's there, but it's enjoyable.

Interesting. A bit of a self-fulfilment by Disney here, in my opinion. "Strange World" has flopped quite badly at the box office, mostly I suspect due to a lack of promotion - the film was in the cinema before I'd even heard of it. You have to wonder though if that lack of promotion was because the company lost faith with a movie that struggles to shake off the idea that it's all a bit second rate.

Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal), son of the legendary explorer Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid) returns from an aborted expedition without his father, who continues on alone, but with a mysterious plant that can generate electricity. Decades later, with Searcher now a husband and father, he's tasked with another expedition, to work out why his miracle discovery is started to die. His new mission, undertaken with some of his father's old crew, follows the plants to their root and discover an undiscovered land, with odd creatures.

So, there are some positives to it. The vocal performances are good. The visuals are, to a point good. The creatures I found to be a bit bland, but there is an explanation within the story as to why they look the way they do. There are a few funny moments along the way. The environmental aspect of the story is worthy and some of that came as a pleasant surprise.

But it has to be said that the rest of the plot is pretty underwhelming. It's a pedestrian adventure once we're underground and, though there are a couple of surprises that you will certainly see coming, there's not really an action scene to really get the heart racing.

I've had a patchy time with Disney's own animated releases over the past few years, with "Encanto" being much better than "Raya and the Last Dragon" and with "Strange World" closer to the latter than the former. I'm more forgiving of this than I might be, as we watched it on Disney Plus and my son enjoyed it, than I would be had I been to the cinema.

I'd categorise this as a B movie, as in one that should've just been released on a streaming platform or straight to budget dvd. It's not particularly bad but it's a huge drop off in the quality you expect from them.

The characters are not ones you'll remember or think about again, they tried for a stereotypical cute one but that was wide of the mark. They handled the same sex relationship in the most natural non forced way so props for that and the inclusion of the 3 legged dog was sweet.

It was a strange plot, beautifully animated and designed but it felt like it was trying to say something but couldn't work out exactly what it was, it's too dull for small kids and not engaging for adults so maybe 9-13 sorta age?

This movie is a the epitome of cliche . We felt the same when we left the theater as we entered it. We came with our children full of hope for a nice family film, however, about halfway in, we just wanted it to end. The movie didn't make us laugh or make us cry, it didn't move us at all. We felt like empty plastic throughout the film. As much as we wanted to feel something, the movie went nowhere. It was formulaic and predictable. The characters are shallow and unrelatable. The animation is nice as well as the action, but it was lacking a story line . If we could ask for a refund, unfortunately, we would. Definitely not recommended.

We went expecting a great Disney movie especially using 3D. Instead we found plot to be boring and effects of 3D ineffective. You know a movie is bad when your grandkids are asking to leave because they're bored. We were all Very disappointed. It was supposed to be an enjoyable Thanksgiving tradition to see a fun, adventurous Disney movie. Unfortunately, it just couldn't keep any of our family member's attention. I am hopeful that the next one will have a real plot that an 11 year old cannot already determine what's going to happen. On the plus side, the colors were vivid and the Splat character was cute.

I didn't hate this film. I am not sure why this film has received such mixed reviews. It wasn't the best animated Disney movie but overall I enjoyed it. The story was good, it wasn't too complicated but it was interesting. The animation was also good, it was very colourful and detailed. I liked all the creatures. It has some laughs and you will recognise the voices of some of the actors. It is only an hour and 47 mins which is a plus (new films are always so long now!). I would recommend, I think children would also enjoy this film. It is a great film for all of the family to enjoy. I am not sure why reviews have to have so many characters now!!!!

Strange World is rather a big disappointment from Walt Disney, than being a Sci-fi element filled adventure movie. The only thing that was laudable in the movie was the CGI and the special effects used.

The director Don Hall and his co-director and screenwriter Qui Nguyen (who last year collaborated on an another Disney picture, "Raya and the Last Dragon") seem to have put all of their effort into gaudy backgrounds, wacky gadgets and strange ancillary monsters instead of into dramatic urgency or conflict. The film's stumbling unoriginality, cliched characters and intended jokes that land like flops leads to a boring viewing experience, even though the plot and animation were good enough.

My Rating : 4.5/10.

Strange World's humour takes a little while to find it's footing and once it does it becomes a great adventure full of heart, wonder and emotion whilst actually delivering meaningful representation that feels like a major first for a studio that has been frustratingly scared of commitment in that department.

Jake Gyllenhaal gives a great lead performance and is a natural at voice acting and his believable father son dynamic with a superb Jaboukie Young-White makes for a strong emotional core. Dennis Quaid is also memorable and is one of the funniest characters.

Don Hall's and Qui Nguyen's direction is excellent with a super vibrant animation style that strikes a really strong balance between photo real and more fantastical designs. The music by Henry Jackman is really good, delivering the necessary sense of awe and wonder.

It has a lot of great and interesting ideas that just sort of flounder around looking for something to do. Characters are not well fleshed out. Everything felt sort of pointless. It has few laughs and no tears. Lots of things happen and quickly resolve without consequence. The overall outcome for the characters would have been similar even if they'd stayed home. It's pretty, but all the characters are bulbous and squishy with no expression. In short, it's nothing special--just a bland, inoffensive trip into a glowing place.

Ethan is especially annoying. Frequently putting himself and others in danger; he remains oblivious and immune to the consequences of his actions, and is ultimately rewarded for being a reckless teenager. He doesn't have any ambition, skills, or direction. Stuff just kind of happens to him. Is he the main character? It was hard to tell.

I think this one can safely be skipped. You won't be missing much.

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.

The recent film 'Strange World' has garnered attention amidst current discussions surrounding Disney studios. Despite its box office performance, it has sparked diverse opinions, particularly from those who cherish nostalgia. Approaching the movie with an open mind, I found certain aspects that, in my view, hindered its potential connection with the audience.

The film boasts a compelling narrative, a unique setting, and an intriguing twist on family dynamics, following three generations of explorers, the Clades. However, the screenplay's emphasis on progressive elements, while commendable, at times felt forced and distracting. Characters and relationships seemed designed to subvert common tropes, with some plot twists introduced in a way that could overshadow the primary storyline.

The film's visual appeal and endearing characters contribute positively to the viewing experience. While the fantasy elements align with science fiction, they also evoke Miyazaki's environmental themes. However, the film's focus on representation, while essential, occasionally overshadows the adventure element that could have been more prominently explored.

Notably, the film's handling of certain social and political aspects, such as same-sex relationships, raised concerns. The decision to introduce diverse characters is praiseworthy, but the execution left some viewers questioning the authenticity of character reactions. Balancing these elements with the narrative could have enhanced the overall storytelling.

The ending, reminiscent of Indiana Jones, adds an interesting adventure touch to the film. However, the inclusion of social and political aspects, while well-intentioned, could have been more delicately integrated into the story. The film concludes with a nod to a legendary adventure series, yet its potential impact becomes diluted in the narrative's broader socio-political commentary.

In essence, 'Strange World' presents a dynamic premise that, unfortunately, encounters challenges in seamlessly blending its adventurous core with broader societal reflections. While the film has its merits, it prompts discussions on the balance between storytelling and addressing contemporary themes. Each viewer's perspective may vary, and acknowledging diverse opinions is crucial in evaluating the film's impact.

Stunning visuals, well-realized sci-fi setting, hilarious one-liners, and filled with shocking twists! What's not to love?

Maybe I just set my expectations too low, but this film really subverted my predictions in the best ways possible. Though characters are quite generic and we've seen the typical "I don't want to become my father" done plenty of times before, the family dynamic felt genuine. The film shows how men strive to live up to their father's expectations. All three main characters represent different generations, and their arcs lead to a predictable outcome, but insightful nonetheless.

The useless side characters provide nothing except for exposition, and their attempts at comic relief fall painfully flat. I found the comedy was well-timed and it didn't clash with the occasionally serious tone, but it's truly hilarious when the main trio are part of the joke. It takes itself seriously at the right moments to execute heartfelt scenes and deliver not-so-subtle climate change commentary. If there's one thing I would've loved more of is world-building; though the fictional world is well thought out with infrastructure and an economy influenced by the scifi setting, it could've been explored more if the runtime were a bit longer before going into the strange world.

7.5/10.

It's been a few days since I took the kids to see this, and I can barely remember anything about the movie. The visuals were pretty good, and there were some unique visual design elements throughout, but the design of the main characters was lacking compared to minor side characters, and the pink-pudding texture grew stale quickly.

The plot was non-existent. Is it a family reunion story? A redemption story? A save the world story? A coming of age story? The characters' motivations change from moment moment and scene to scene - whatever is convenient for the writers in the moment.

The big twist was apparent from a mile away, and lacked internal consistency.

This movie didn't do anything new, just a new jumble of old ideas. At least the popcorn was tasty.

"Strange World" is an animated film whose script focuses on following your own path and finding yourself, as well as telling a story that aims to leave us a message about the importance of taking care of our body and our planet. The animation is excellent and obviously influenced by the adventure world of Verne and even a bit of Lovecraft, achieving great settings. Sometimes the movie feels different due to the lack of a villain played by any character, but it manages to come out on top without being perfect. The film will annoy closed-minded conservatives but that doesn't matter. An interesting production that achieves its mission of entertaining and leaving a good message.

This one really felt like a Pixar film more than a typical Disney movie. Disney continued the trend of no villian. Instead the movie dealt with family conflict similar to Encanto. Instead of granddaughter who had issues with a grandmother, this film dealt with problems among three generations of fathers and sons.

Most of the movie takes place in a beautiful unexplored place near the community of Avalonia. Avalonia is a land surrounded by impassable mountains. No one knows what is on the other side. Our explorers leave on a quest to discover why an important crop is failing. In the process, they not only discover a new land, but also discover more about themselves.

The scenery is gorgeous. The new place looks like cross between an underwater ocean and regular land. Starfish-looking creatures swing through the trees. A pod of skate-type creatures swim through the air. It reminded me of an ocean enough that I felt myself relax the same way I do when I look at a real ocean. Ahhhhhh

Some people may not enjoy the movie as there is no princess, no singing, and no big baddie to defeat. I enjoyed the movie.

Since I now know what the new land is, I'll see if I can spot the clues the next time I watch it. I did spot one clue, but brushed it off as the animators attempts to make the landscape look alien.

I do recommend this film.

There were no surprises at all in this ecological metaphor for fossil fuel use. In. Fact another reviewer had this as a B movie. I would not have even given it that. A one dimensional country which relies on a finite resource. A one dimensional plot involving a lost explorer and the family whole seek him. Amazingly human miming and behaving denizens of a lost world. Terrible dialogue.

Overall, this supposedly family adventure never gained momentum from the get go. There were no real sense of perils, despite there being plenty opportunities. Solutions to problems just fell out of the sky. I am surprised this scored as high as it did.

Set in the land of Avalonia which is surrounded by several impenetrable mountains, Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid) is a legendary adventurer whose adventures are known throughout the land. However Jaeger's son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal) despite having accompanied his father on his adventures since birth doesn't share Jaeger's love of adventure and is more interested in plant care and farming. Following a rift between the two where Jaeger ventured out to search beyond the mountains and was never seen again, Searcher discovered a plant based energy source called Pando which has lead Avalonia into an era of unprecedented technological marvels that have revolutionized life in Avalonia. Searcher now lives as a Pando farmer with his wife Meridian (Gabrielle Union) and son Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White) who secretly wants to be an explorer but hasn't yet told Searcher. When president of Avalonia, Callisto Mal (Lucy Liu), visits the Clade farm to inform them that Pando has been stricken with some sort of blight and is projected to be gone soon, she organizes an expedition into a recently uncovered subterranean entrance that has appeared and enlists Searcher to help on the expedition as he discovered Pando. Once on the expedition along with Meridian and Ethan who become entangled, the group meets up with the presumed dead Jaeger and the group try to uncover what is killing the Pando.

Strange World is the latest Disney Animation film coming to us from director Don Hall of Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Moana and written by Qui Nguyen who previously wrote Raya. The film was inspired by the likes of pulp adventure stories from the likes of King Kong and Doc Savage to other more classic adventure tales like those of Jules Verne or Edgar Rice Burroughs. The movie is certainly an impressive visual marvel and has a strong sense of adventure, but much like Raya and the Last Dragon while there's a strong framework at play there's a bunch of little elements that pile up and keep me from liking it more than I do.

Unsurprisingly for a Don Hall directed animated film, Strange World is rich in colorful visuals and designs with the land of Avalonia a very impressive world with lots of fun details that play well to the likes of people who love the style of things like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow with that pulp adventure/retro future vibe that I'm admittedly a sucker for. Once we begin our adventure into the subterranean world beneath Avalonia there's a strong sense of discovery with a strong desire to understand what this world is and how it works and the movie does what a good adventure story should do and makes you want to know more about this world and dive further into it.

Where the movie has issues for me is in the clunky writing in the first act of the film particularly with Gyllenhaal's performance as Searcher which feels like it was directed to play very broadly and I think the script makes Searcher maybe a tad too unaware and accident prone with some scenes that seem more suited to a modern day sitcom than what's supposed to be a timeless adventure story (we definitely get a few "ramble" jokes here and there in the beginning). Once the film moves into the adventure section past the slightly clunky expository first act the movie does get a better sense of what it wants to be and we get some good moments with Dennis Quaid's Jaeger Claude whose sort of an over the top homage to Doc Savage type pulp heroes who literally laugh at danger. Jaboukie Young White's Ethan makes for a sympathetic lead as Ethan and is certainly better than the last LGBTQ character Disney placed in an adventure story as unlike Jack Whitehall's character from Jungle Cruise Ethan at least contributes to the plot and isn't a cartoonishly useless coward. Much like Searcher he is prone to accidents and mistakes but at least he has the buffer of being a teenager so it's less grating than when Searcher indulges in similar antics. As with other such animated Disney properties they also overindulge on the "cute sidekicks" with one creature called Splat reasonably entertaining, but the Clade's three legged dog Legend is undeniably in the same space as creatures such as Heihei the Chicken from Moana and makes you ask (why is he even here?).

Strange World is a good movie that could've been a great one with a bit more c=polish on the script and characters. In terms of comparable animated sci-fi films I wasn't as engrossed with it as Treasure Planet, but I'd place it more or less alongside something like Titan A. E. in terms of entertainment value.