The movie is undoubtedly trying to break from the mold
Disney is deathly afraid of taking risks. Why? Well, in the early 2010s, they made movies like Mars Needs Moms and John Carter, among other ventures which failed terribly at the box office. They have since then used very formulaic movies, as seen often in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It has passed down to their animation projects too. Even their latest hits, Encanto and Raya and the Last Dragon, while bringing in new cultures, is not entirely distinct. But Strange World, their latest flick, has broken the mold a little.
Strange World Story
Strange World tells the story of adventurer Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid) and his son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal). They live in Avalonia, surrounded by massive mountains which they have not seen beyond. Many have tried and failed, and are stuck with little to no knowledge about the world outside. The father-son duo and a few others take it upon themselves to explore. Searcher comes across a mysterious plant called pando, which is believed to hold electricity, and he suggests they head back to Avalonia and plant it. Jaeger and Searcher butt heads over whether they should stay in Avalonia or explore. Jaeger leaves everyone behind and heads off to find answers.
25 years pass and Avalonia has entered a new age thanks to the plant. However, Jaegar is still missing. Searcher, now a husband and father, will assemble a new team to search the world beyond.
The Review
Strange World continues the trope of family arguing among themselves, saying they are not like each other. There are similar events that prevent the story from being completely unique. The dialogues are mostly eyeroll-worthy, and the scripts could do with some change. However, there are charming bits too, and they did the LGBTQ+ part right, instead of merely checking off a box.
In the end, Strange World is a Disney movie that is entertaining, and something worth a watch.
Also read: FROZEN 3: DISNEY TO MAKE ANOTHER SEQUEL? HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW