Strange World (2022)

Directors: Don Hall, Qui Nguyen(co-directed by)

The legendary Clades are a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest and most crucial mission.

On an expedition with his Dad, 15-year old Searcher Clade discovers a green plant with an energy source. Convinced it is a worthwhile find, Searcher refuses to continue the expedition with his Dad, stating they don’t even know what they’re going to find should they go further. Adamant there is more to discover, his Dad, Jaeger Clade, continues the journey – and never returns.

Years later, Searcher has an entire plantation of the magic plants, and supplies energy to the town of Avalonia. He is happily married, and has a son, and a three-legged dog named Legend (who was just adorable, I might add!). Being married to a black woman and having a gay son, I’m thrilled the film didn’t spoon feed the audience with this interracial marriage and homosexuality. Instead, it was presented in a very subtle, natural manner – like it ought to be.

When the energy plants – called Pando – suddenly starts dying, Searcher along with his Dad’s crew members from years back, go on another mission – this time to find out why the plants are suddenly dying, and to save Avalonia. This takes us on an action-packed, colourful journey of discovery, with a few twists along the way. The animation is very realistic and quite breathtaking, actually. Ok, so the film is maybe a bit too fantastical, but it was nevertheless an exciting adventure.

Big parts of the movie were a bit too cartoonish, especially the Splat character. The illuminous Pterodactyl creatures reminded me of the creatures from the movie ‘Pitch Black’. In general, ‘Strange World’ reminded me of ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, ‘The Croods’, and ‘InnerSpace’ (or ‘Fantastic Voyage’ – the original).

Did I have fun with the movie? Yes, I did. Is it a film I would give repeat viewings? I don’t think so. It just wasn’t all that special (to me). I liked the way the animated characters resembled the cast who did the voice over work. So cool!

Unfortunately, ‘Strange World’ bombed at the box office. It only managed to recuperate $73.6 million of its $135 million budget. Ouch!

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.