Review: ‘Strange World’ explores modern issues with nod to cinema’s past

George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
·3 min read
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For those of a certain age, Walt Disney Animation’s latest film “Strange World” will provide a sense of nostalgia. But there’s nothing old-fashioned about the green message this lushly animated movie delivers.

That’s the tact that writer Qui Nguyen, who co-directs “Strange World” with Don Hall, takes on multiple levels as he ably explores the theme of change through fathers and sons and a message about killing the planet.

He looks to the past, cinematically speaking, as “Strange World” shows its influences from “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and the sci-fi, bio-thriller “Fantastic Voyage,” to craft a sumptuous visual feast that challenges with its themes and will likely receive backlash on several levels. So what?

‘Strange World’ uses nostalgia to explore present-day issues

Nguyen squeezes relevant, timely material into an animated film that will go over the heads of its primary audience, but it speaks to his skill as a filmmaker.

The movie tells the story of the Clade family, three generations of men — macho explorer Jaeger (voice by Dennis Quaid), his son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Searcher’s son Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White), each talented in their own way and each headstrong.

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Jaeger is a famous explorer from the land of Avalonia on an expedition with his son. During the course of that journey — one where he wants to get beyond his country’s mountains — he suffers a falling out with Searcher, who doesn’t have much interest in following in his dad’s footsteps, literally and figuratively.

In the midst of their personal turmoil, Searcher makes the discovery of the century for his community: a plant that seemingly provides an unlimited supply of energy.

He views it for what it is, while Jaeger wants to continue on the expedition. They separate. Jaeger is presumed lost and Searcher goes on with his life.

“Strange World” introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land. The voice cast includes Jaboukie Young-White Ethan, who longs for adventure beyond the family farm; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and loving wife and mom; and Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a brilliant family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission.

‘Strange World’ explores father-son relationships

Fast-forward 25 years. Searcher has used the plant and its powers to become a success, but it suddenly begins to fail throughout Avalonia. That forces Searcher and the members of his country’s leadership to go on their own expedition in an attempt to find and cure what ails the plant. A couple of surprises await.

Through a series of events, Ethan and Searcher’s wife Meridian (voiced by Gabrielle Union) end up tagging along. Along the journey, Searcher is reunited with his long-lost father.

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That provides the impetus to explore their relationship and Searcher’s with his sons. But there’s more to bite into as there’s no missing the allegory explored in this rumination on green issues that affect the planet. And it won’t be without controversy for some as it matter-of-factly deals with the crush that a teen-age boy has on another boy.

"Strange World" features the voices of (clockwise from top left) Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, the leader of Avalonia; Jake Gyllenhaal as farmer and father Searcher Clade; Dennis Quaid as diehard explorer and Searcher’s father, Jaegar Clade; Gabrielle Union as pilot and mother Meridian Clade; and Jaboukie Young-White as the youngest Clade, Meridian and Searcher’s son, Ethan.

Messages in ‘Strange World’ aren't enough

No qualms from this corner regarding those messages, but the film lacks the emotional impact that would be expected from those subjects. Noble? Yes. Impactful? Not impactful enough.

Where “Strange Worlds” does excel is in the area of animation, of course. Some scenes blur the line between what is real and what isn’t. The reality being that it’s all animation.

That, however, isn’t reason enough to plunk down money for a trip to theaters — it will be there only — to see this one. Though intriguing with messages that should be considered and appreciated, “Strange Worlds” isn’t particularly compelling.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal. Reach him at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ByGeorgeThomas

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-adventure “Strange World” journeys 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.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original action-adventure “Strange World” journeys 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.

Details

Movie: “Strange World”

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Gabrielle Union, Lucy Liu

Directed by: Qui Nguyen

Running time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Rated: PG for action/peril and some thematic elements

Grade: C

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: ‘Strange World’ lacks emotional impact for film with message