By Orlando Arechiga I November 28, 2022

Disney released their 61^st animated feature Strange World with a unique and touching story for the kid at heart. In Strange World, we meet the Glades Family, a complex family of explorers who venture into a strange world where they all must forget their differences to save their world.

Director Don Halls achieves finely the risk to introduce a movie that breaks barriers by introducing an interracial marriage, a queer teen whose parents are supportive of his identity, and environmental problems but sadly lacks what Disney promotes, pixie dust. With highly important themes, Hall struggles to bring a story that is and will be memorable to audiences. Although Disney is open to the idea of bringing these themes to the mainstream, the work feels lazy with a forgettable opening that doesn’t capture your attention. The story becomes a bit more interesting once we know the problem but still struggle to dazzle the viewer with Disney magic. Also, Hall struggles on molding his characters. They feel short in personality and charisma.

What is important in Strange World are the themes it brings to the table. We see moments of acceptance, struggle, reflection, friendship, and fellowship.  Thank you for displaying the important topics, but overall, the film feels like a hopeful concept that feels forced and not so organic to the viewer.   Yes, we see a family with complex differences, but yet still feels as if something or someone is missing.  Sadly, not enough marketing was done to have people go see the film in a theater, but hopefully, the film finds an audience when it begins its streaming journey.

Strange World is a fun ride and teaches us to love everyone, but viewers might be divided due to its themes. Go see Strange World and learn something new.

Strange World is now playing in theaters.