Strange World Review Roundup

With the likes of Coco, Frozen 2 and Encanto, Disney has proven how highly they view the late November spot for their big animated movies. The Holiday period is of course, often associated with families spending time together, and there isn't anything that says 'Family Time' quite like a heartfelt Disney flick at the movies. This year's feature is the grand sci-fi adventure Strange World, but is it quality? Or a strange viewing? Here's the review roundup: 

The Globe & Mail
'Families with young children and lots of time to kill might hang onto Strange World for the simple fact that it is the only family film currently available in theatres aside from the months-old Lyle Lyle Crocodile. But most everyone else is better served by rewatching, say, the Indiana Jones films or Journey to the Centre of the Earth (all now available on Disney+!), or simply waiting for the next Pixar film to come along.'

For the full review please visit here.

VARIETY
'Clearly inspired by the spirit of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, writer (and co-director) Qui Nguyen concentrates on the father-son dynamics between these characters. There are environmental themes too, obviously, which set up a big third-act twist, but the movie’s organic message — instructive without being preachy — comes down to: Teach your children well … and you may wind up learning from them in the end. Looking back through Disney’s toon catalog, you’ll find the studio alternating more or less evenly between films that skew boy- or girl-centric, with “Treasure Planet” on one hand and most princess movies on the other. “Strange World” may focus on helping its dudes work through their issues, but it offers no shortage of strong female role models — like Clade matriarch Meridian (Gabrielle Union) — or people of color. 

For the full review please visit here.

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
'Strange World succumbs to vague aphorisms to hammer home an already well-conveyed lesson about environmental catastrophe. This is most apparent near the end, when the Avalonia crew, a small but mighty force that includes a character voiced by the unfairly funny Karan Soni, treks deeper into this region. They form a more complete picture of the nature of pando, and begin to see themselves as part of a broader ecosystem. The film anxiously circles this point, as if viewers might miss it if it’s not reiterated in redundant ways. The end of Strange World comes together as one would expect of a Disney offering, but there’s a sweetness to it that may move even the most committed cynic.'

For the full review please visit here.

USA TODAY 
'Fans of pulpy 1930s and ‘40s heroes such as Doc Savage and Flash Gordon will dig the over-the-top action vibe, yet “Strange World” is extremely modern in its themes. It taps into real-world issues of conservation and sustainability of natural resources, and there’s a strong sense of inclusion – Ethan’s a biracial gay teen, Legend makes up for a missing leg with boundless energy – and the most welcome aspect is that it's all pretty normal. As part of a decently consistent Disney animated run, the family-friendly film offers an escape that’s not that “Strange” in its ability to satisfy.'

​ For the full review please visit here.

THE WRAP
'Near the end of this quest, as if the film weren’t already overflowing with familiar tropes about familial relationships, the folks behind “Strange World” try to link the self-discovery that the three Clade males undergo to better navigate their estranged and/or evolving bonds with a hopeful environmental note about being open to change, even if there’s discomfort in the process. Yet for all the wonderfully weird entities and world-building — with the adorable Splat being the standout — the filmmakers are unable to cohesively merge the fanciful tone with the overbearing precepts they seek to impart.'

For the full review please visit here.

GEEKLY GOODS (VIDEO REVIEW)

In the end, the film amassed a critical score of 75% from 63 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. An ok score which, with the voice cast on hand as well as the stellar visuals/animation, it's a little disappointing. Nonetheless, with it being the only 'animated family film' this holiday, it might be just enough. ​

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