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Disney may be known for their princesses, but in recent years they’ve focused much of their energy into branching out into stories with wider appeal. And their latest animated adventure, Strange World, once again goes beyond fairy tales, setting out on a dangerous adventure with a family of rugged explorers.
Strange World ventures out on a critical mission with explorer turned farmer Searcher Clade (voiced by Jake Gyllenhaal). Twenty-five years ago, Searcher and his father, Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid), were on yet another expedition in search of a way beyond the enormous mountains surrounding their home in Avalonia when Searcher discovered a magical plant. While Jaeger continued on his expedition, never to be heard from again, Searcher returned home with the plant, called pando, which gave Avalonia life-changing power. But now the pando power supply is starting to fade, and Searcher is sent on a mission to save it.
When Searcher reluctantly sets out on this all-important expedition, though, he soon finds that he has to face more than just the critical state of their power-giving plant. He also has to face his complicated feelings for his long-lost father—as well as the challenges in his relationship with his headstrong teenage son, Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White), who wants more than just a quiet life on the farm. This is more than just an adventure; it’s a story about the expectations and misunderstandings and struggles to connect between generations—about respecting and learning from people with different perspectives.
Together as a family, the Clades face all kinds of deadly challenges in a completely unfamiliar—but visually striking—setting. Everything about this film—from the pando farms of Avalonia to the magical phosphorescent underground world that Searcher and his team discover—is absolutely beautiful. The animation has all of the color and imagination of a Dr. Seuss story, and it’s buzzing with energy in every frame. There are flying ships and gigantic beasts that bring action and adventure around every corner. And no Disney movie would be complete without a lovable sidekick—this time, a translucent blob named Splat, who follows the Cades on their mission, bringing plenty of comic relief along the way.
Admittedly, the characters and story aren’t especially new or remarkable—and it doesn’t have a soundtrack full of catchy tunes that your kids will be singing for the next year (for better or for worse). But it is charming and adventurous—and strikingly beautiful.
Disney has a whole lot of experience with making movies that viewers of all ages can appreciate. And Strange World combines action and family drama with beautiful animation and a comical character that kids will love. It probably won’t end up on your list of Disney favorites, but it’s still a worthwhile pick for holiday movie watching with the family.
Disney’s Strange World ventures into theaters on November 23, 2022.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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