Having been underwhelmed by Disney's “Lightyear” just a few months ago, I went into “Strange World” with relatively low expectations. There was little to no marketing push for this film (usually a bad sign). Surprisingly, “Strange World” is a delightful family film with a vibe akin to the classic adventure serials, complete with a stirring classical score. 

In the opening scenes of “Strange World,” we meet the brave adventurer Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid) along with his crew and his teenage son, Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal). Together they have set out on a mission to find a sustainable new home for the people of Avalonia.

As they venture deeper into the unknown, Searcher stumbles upon a magical plant capable of providing power and energy to Avalona. The crew sees this as an opportunity to settle down, but Jaeger has other plans. He insists on pushing forward, disappearing beyond the mountains, even if it means leaving his son behind. 

Avalonia has thrived in the 25 years since the "pando" plant discovery. But when a mysterious blight threatens the whole pando plant crop, Searcher and his son team up with commander Callisto Mal (Lucy Liu) to uncover the cause but discover a peculiar underground world instead.  

At the movie's start, a unique 2D animated scene completely blew me away. Honestly, I hoped the entire film would continue with that same style. Even though it doesn't, the animation for the rest of the film still looks stunning. The action scenes were both intense and captivating, and well realized. Most of the creatures and visual design were indeed out of this world.

“Strange World” has a big heart and has some great messages about environmental sustainability and honoring family legacy vs. blazing your own path. While I have nothing negative to say about “Strange World,” nothing in the film suggests it is a must-watch on the big screen. I suspect that's why there's been such limited marketing. That being said, if you have kids and plan on going to the theater, “Strange World” could be a delightful and light-hearted escape. 

— 3.5 / 5⭐