Disney Strange World 3D Movie Review

Written By: Jacob Scarberry

3D

Disney Animation Studios usually has (at the very least) some really good stereoscopic 3D in their films. This is probably because they started doing modern 3D films in 2005 (Chicken Little), and their great 3D track record not only continues, but they have now reached a new high point. Strange World is probably the best 3-D visuals that Disney has ever done. Seriously the entirety of Strange World looks fantastic in 3D. The excellent 3-D is not limited to one sequence or scene, but the entire movie is a showpiece for 3D. From the opening comic-book panel scenes, to the closing camera pull-back, there is plenty of tasty three dimensional delights in every frame of this movie. Strange World is filled with 3D particle effects. You will see particles go in and out of the screen. The movie has natural and rounded dimension, particles, smoke and precipitation that come out towards the audience. The 3D extends out the horizons with an amazing amount of depth. You will also see tons of 3D pop-outs. This is truly superb dimensionality. Strange World easily has some of the best 3D visuals in a movie released in 2022! The amazing 3D visuals increased my enjoyment of the movie itself. Strange World is an absolute must watch for 3D fans.

Final Verdict: Editors Choice , Great 3D

Art by **Ppeppermind**
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PpeppermindArtStore

Movie

Strange World is a treat for the eyes and ears, but sadly its a very forgettable family film.

Doing a little research, I was intrigued to learn that back in the 1950s, there were two comic book series called Strange World (One by Avon Comics, and the other by the precursor to Marvel Comics). I was hoping that this movie would be an adaptation of one of those stories á la Creepshow or Big Hero 6. As far as I can tell, the film is an original creation by Disney. This is despite Strange World opening up with literal comic book panels of stories about the legendary explorer, Jaegar Clade (Dennis Quaid) and his son, Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal). It’s a nifty bit of expository lore that shows how Searcher isn't exactly compelled to follow in his father’s footsteps.

On their most recent expedition, Jaegar is determined to go to the other side of the mountains of their gorgeous world, Avalonia. Searcher happens upon an interesting new plant, which they dub Pando. This plant has electrical properties. While Searcher and Jaeger's crew are ecstatic for their scientific discovery, Jaeger disappears alone into the snow.

Twenty five years has passed since Jaeger’s disappearance, and Searcher has moved on and has started his own family. Searcher’s wife is named Meridian (Gabrielle Union) and their son is named Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White). Pando has become a breakthrough in technology, creating organic bio-batteries. These batteries can be used to light up street lights, and they can even power airplanes. Searcher works the Pando farms, harvesting the crop. Unfortunately, Pando seems to have issues, possibly with a disease or something more sinister that will affect every plant on the planet. This forces Searcher to go exploring, which is something that he dreads doing.

The clock is ticking, and getting to the literal root of the problem takes them to a strange new world. Old faces pop up along the way as they race against the clock to save their very way of life. Will they save their livelihood, or will they be forced to regress to live in a world without Pando batteries.

Disney has a formula that it sticks to, and that formula has usually led to many classic films, but it has also lead to many unremarkable films. The classic Disney formula runneth strong throughout this film. The film has the classic father/son rebelling dynamic. Strange World is a very typical animated movie, and it checks all of the trope and cliche boxes with a thick marker. It's a real shame, because there are some interesting things within this film that could've been propped up by deviating against said formula. I cannot specifically reveal those things, because they are spoilers. I wish that Disney gave us something innovative and breathtaking beyond the gorgeous visuals and sonic morsels.

As I previously said, the movie is gorgeous. The visuals are colorful, vividly designed and unique. The acting is on par with other Disney films, never truly excelling or being memorable, but the cast manage to do fine throughout. The sound design, along with the score, manage to also be a delight to the ears. The specific sound design of Splat (the animated blue glob who "speaks" through squeaks) being worth a mention. The music done by Henry Jackman is worthy of some awards this upcoming awards season. All that being said, the film never manages to rise above moderate entertainment for families. I wonder if families will even show up for this movie, as I expect this film will be a flop at the box-office.

The film isn't very funny with the exception of one terrific one-liner. The adventure itself isn't all that unique. Sadly the ending is generic. The whole film reeks of Disney meddling to make it as formulaic, and as safe as possible. This is despite the inclusion of an LGBTQ+ main character, interracial marriage and some noteworthy millennial breakfasts. I’m sure than many people will find plenty to complain about this movie on social media. Regrettably the film doesn't take any real chances, and that's ironic for a film all about adventure. Strange World plays it too safe with its storytelling, and that's its biggest crime.

Overall, the 3D and technical merits are wonderful for Strange World, but the rest of the film is generic. This movie is best suited for basic families that are full of turkey after Thanksgiving.