​“Disenchanted” stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jayma Mays, Oscar Nunez, and Maya Rudolph. Released on Disney+ on November 18, 2022, the film has Giselle saving her family from a magic wish.

The film was directed by Adam Shankman, who also directed films such as “The Wedding Planner”, “Bringing Down the House”, “Hairspray”, and “Rock of Ages”. It is a sequel to the 2007 film “Enchanted”. Disney has a recognizable trend of bringing classic fairy tales to life through the art of animation and storytelling. From “Snow White” to even “Frozen”, the studio has reimagined these iconic stories into beloved masterpieces filled with memorable princesses, light-hearted songs, and “happily ever afters”. In 2007, Disney celebrated this trend by releasing a unique movie that pays homage to and parodies the tropes seen in its animated treasures. That film was “Enchanted”, which centers on an animated princess surviving the modern world of New York City. With its combination of live-action and animation, the movie became a critical and commercial success, with people hailing it for its screenplay, songs, and Amy Adams’ performance as Giselle. As a result, a sequel became a no-brainer for the money-making studio. However, the follow-up took more than a decade to see the light of day. Now that it has finally arrived on Disney+, was it worth the wait? Let’s find out. 

The story is set ten years after the first movie, with Giselle (Adams) and Robert (Dempsey) living happily ever after with their daughter Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino) and their newborn baby Sophia. However, their “happily ever after” means another chapter of their story as they move from Manhattan to the suburb of Monroeville, run by Malvina Monroe (Rudolph). Unfortunately, with the new environment and Morgan being a teenager, Giselle realizes that being a stepmother in real life is more challenging than she thought. Giselle eventually makes a wish that her life will be like a fairy tale. However, she gets more than what she bargained for when Monroeville becomes an actual fairy tale world, and Giselle is slowly transforming into a wicked stepmother. As a result, Morgan, along with Edward (Marsden) and Nancy (Menzel), must help Giselle break the curse before midnight.

My experience with “Enchanted” is something that I would call “magical”. It gave me a bunch of nostalgic moments that hearken back to the days of watching classic Disney movies. But, more importantly, it’s also highly entertaining and consistently hilarious with its fairy tale satire. The film became one of my favorites to watch occasionally because it celebrates Disney’s tradition of providing fantastical fairy tale classics in a comical and heartwarming manner. So it’s unsurprising that I was both curious and concerned about its sequel, which represents life after “happily ever after” for Giselle.

One of the things I enjoyed about “Enchanted” is that it resembles a familiar fairy tale story with enough modern twists to make itself unique. It delivers a fun and heartfelt take on the difference between reality and fantasy. “Disenchanted” expands on this difference by having Giselle face the next step of her new life in the real world: being a stepmother. If you grew up reading fairy tales, you’d know what they’re like. There’s definitely some intrigue in its concept since the first film is known for satirizing elements from specific fairy tales. Unfortunately, that intrigue quickly disappeared into an unoriginal plot that heavily relies on the formula it’s parodying.

“Disenchanted” offers plenty of elements we’ve seen numerous times, including a family moving into a new environment and the strained relationship between parents and teenagers. The primary example is Giselle and Morgan, who struggle to adapt to suburban life outside New York. Additionally, Morgan (as a teenager) has difficulty accepting Giselle as a mother due to Giselle’s history and her being a stepmother. So when Monroeville is in danger of being a straight-up fairy tale, Giselle and Morgan must rely on each other to save their new home before Giselle becomes an evil stepmother forever.

It’s easy to say that the story in “Disenchanted” is a noticeable downgrade from its predecessor. Not only did the plot constantly depend on its stale formula to carry the sequel, but it also lacked the wit and uniqueness that made the first movie memorable. Admittedly, there are a couple of amusing jokes that poke fun at the fairy tale elements and plenty of easter eggs relating to Disney’s animation library. So if you loved “Enchanted” for those reasons, you might get a kick out of what the sequel offered. It also has a heartfelt message about the power of motherly love that’ll resonate well with kids. However, they’re sadly not enough to grant its wish of having a refreshing screenplay. I also feel that the movie is 20 minutes too long despite the pacing being decent.

Even with the flaws shown, the film delivered the usual charm and beauty the predecessor is known for regarding the direction and musical numbers. I didn’t mind Adam Shankman being the movie’s director instead of Kevin Lima since he’s no stranger to injecting energy and joy into musicals and comical scenarios. While I can’t say his direction is better than Lima’s, I can admit that Shankman knows how to make a film’s cliches tolerable. I also thought Shankman did a decent job making the musical numbers entertaining and lively.  

Another key element relating to its charm is the cast. Amy Adams made her mark in the acting business thanks to her portrayal of Giselle in “Enchanted”. The sequel sees Adams returning to that role fifteen years later, and I have to say that she still got it. The actress retained the cheerfulness and innocence that made Giselle a beloved and original Disney character. However, she’s also not afraid to be gleefully villainous when Giselle’s wicked side takes over. Patrick Dempsey and Gabriella Baldacchino were both decent as Robert and Morgan, respectively, and James Marsden continues to deliver solid laughs as Edward. Maya Rudolph also makes for another watchable antagonist regarding her performance as Monroe. But, of course, I can’t forget about the great Idina Menzel as Nancy, with her song “Love Power” being one of my highlights from her.

Another thing I’d like to point out is the movie’s animation. Like the first film, “Disenchanted” includes a couple of Andalasia sequences that used 2D animation. I admired that the filmmakers decided to use traditional animation for the sequel instead of CGI because it’s part of its predecessor’s homage to the classic Disney Renaissance of the 1990s. Having it be CGI would’ve made it feel like a cheap shortcut despite the studio’s reliance on it in their recent movies. It shows that it’s okay to go back to the basics and relive the joy of watching old-school animation. The number of Andalasia scenes is pretty short, but the animation accompanying them is unsurprisingly gorgeous enough to compensate. It makes me wish that Disney would bring this style back for one of its future projects.

Overall, “Disenchanted” has a good amount of heart and magic, but its narrative failed to cast a spell that’s as effective and iconic as its predecessor. It means well in its presentation and enjoyability, but regarding the storytelling quality, it’s far from an enchanting experience. Amy Adams is as delightful as ever as Giselle, and Shankman’s direction works well for its charm and musical numbers. Unfortunately, they couldn’t overshadow its formulaic plot, witless screenplay, and length. Like Disney’s direct-to-DVD sequels of years past, the movie shows that it’s best not to know what happens after its “happily ever after”. Fans of “Enchanted” will likely get some amusement out of it. Otherwise, there’s nothing too magical about this fairy tale follow-up that’s worth remembering.

​"Devotion" stars Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell, Christina Jackson, Joe Jonas, Thomas Sadoski, and Daren Kagasoff. Released on November 23, 2022, the film has two elite fighter pilots fighting in the Korean War.

The film was directed by J. D. Dillard, who also directed "Sleight" and "Sweetheart". It is based on the book by Adam Makos. There's no doubt that many stories depict someone's bravery and sacrifice during a specific part of history. However, we have barely scratched the surface of what we learned about the wars that occurred years ago. Along with the stories about heroism, some tales reflect on unlikely friendships that led people to change the course of the war. This story happens to be one of them. Thanksgiving is usually the time for us to spend quality time with our loved ones. However, this movie shows that it's also the time to honor the brave heroes who spent years defending our country, even though Veterans' Day was a couple of weeks ago. Better late than never, I guess. This is another Thanksgiving movie I reviewed late due to me spending the holiday with my family. I was interested in it because of my interest in war movies and appreciation towards Dillard's directorial debut, "Sleight". Unfortunately, I didn't find the time to watch it on opening weekend. Luckily, this weekend didn't have any new movies, so I used this opportunity to get a taste of this leftover. With that in mind, let's see if this latest war film is worth watching this holiday season.

The story takes place during the Korean War in 1950. The United States is among the allied countries supporting South Korea, while China and the Soviet Union fight with North Korea. The movie is a true story centering on Jesse Brown (Majors), an African-American aviator in a predominantly white aviation community. While struggling with racial segregation, he finds a friend in fellow navy aviator Tom Hudner (Powell). Together, Brown and Hudner fight to make history in one of the most destructive conflicts of the modern era.

I'm always a sucker for war movies, especially ones based on true events. Of course, you can say it's because of the thrilling high-stakes action scenes involving gun fights. However, it's also because of the characters' accomplishments during those darkest hours. Some were remembered for their impact on our culture. Others were overshadowed until they were brought into the spotlight. Combined with the exquisite filmmaking tools, these stories live on in our memories regarding the presentation and emotional impact. "Devotion" hopes to be another addition to that list by displaying Jesse Brown's remarkable journey in the Korean War. The only war movie I didn't like so far was Roland Emmerich's "Midway" three years ago due to its weak script and the lack of strong emotions. So I was hoping this film would offer something in the same vein as the other war classics like "Saving Private Ryan" and "1917" and not wind up like that emotionless bore.

The movie is more along the lines of a drama set against the backdrop of the Korean War than a fast-paced action blockbuster. While there are several scenes involving aerial combat and war, the film focuses mainly on the friendship between Jesse and Tom. From their first encounter to Jesse's tragic death, the two men from different backgrounds bond in an all-white aviator community inside and outside the battlefield. This direction helps develop these characters before they get sent into a high-stakes battle in Korea, which is one of the reasons I enjoy these films. "Devotion" marks another addition to that category by providing a well-acted and touching tribute to the wingmen's friendship in history's forgotten war.

Now, the question that's on my mind is how it fares compared to the other war classics. Well, for starters, it's not something that'll get a ton of awards this year regarding its storytelling. Despite the efforts made in its emotion, the film's story falters in some places when showcasing its commentary on racism in the aviator community. However, when it focuses on Jesse and Tom's friendship, the movie succeeds in providing charming, humorous, and, more importantly, touching moments. There were also times when the pacing felt slightly sluggish outside of its war sequences and the chemistry between the two actors. The film is around two hours and 18 minutes long, but it felt like it was at least two minutes longer. On the bright side, that's better than ten minutes. Despite those issues, the film's story is satisfying enough for me to forgive its straightforward formula.

One main reason for its compelling drama scenes is the actors involved, who delivered strong performances to elevate the movie. Jonathan Majors continues to be a shining star in the film industry thanks to his stellar portrayal of Jesse Brown. His performance offers a blend of charisma and subtleness to make Jesse an endearing yet troubled reflection of the real-life aviator. The sequence where Jesse repeats the hurtful comments he heard to himself shows how impressively talented Majors is. Additionally, Glen Powell was surprisingly great as Tom Hudner, making the actor two for two this year regarding movies involving fighter pilots, with the other being "Top Gun: Maverick". Christina Jackson and Thomas Sadoski were also impressive in their roles of Daisy Brown and Dick Cevoli, respectively.

The most interesting thing about the film is its director, J. D. Dillard. When I looked him up a while ago, I found that Dillard is the son of a naval aviator who also served in a white aviation community. So this idea was made with Dillard in mind, and rightfully so. Dillard's previous films were made on a small budget, with "Sleight" being the cheapest one, so this movie offers an opportunity for him to test his directorial skills with a much higher budget. For the most part, he managed to pass the test with flying colors. J. D. Dillard understands the community and the lone black aviator's perspective of it and provides an old-fashioned presentation that matches its thrilling action and heartfelt drama. In other words, he might be ready to tackle more big-budget movies like this.

Overall, "Devotion" may not soar as high as the war classics from years past. However, it offers a representation of heroism and friendship that's touching and compelling enough to bypass a few narrative shortcomings. It also serves as an enjoyable showcase for the talented cast involved, with Majors and Powell being the main attractions. While its pacing and middling thematic depth may keep it from flying into awards territory, the movie succeeds in honoring the brave heroes of the Korean War and the comradeship that formed during that event. If you're into war films and are familiar with the story it's based on, the movie is worth checking out.

​“Violent Night” stars David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Cam Gigandet, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder, Edi Patterson, and Beverly D’Angelo. Released on December 2, 2022, the film has Santa Claus saving a wealthy family from a group of mercenaries.

The film is directed by Tommy Wirkola, who also directed films such as “Dead Snow”, “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”, and “The Trip”. It’s that time of year once again, ladies and gentlemen. The time for us to get into the holiday spirit by watching a ton of Christmas movies and shows and maybe having some eggnog too. While most of us prefer the ones that are harmless and heartwarming, some people usually go for something hardcore and bloody with a touch of Christmas spirit. Luckily, Hollywood has just the movie for them to watch this weekend. This film has my immediate attention for several reasons, mainly the people behind it. You have director Tommy Wirkola, who’s no stranger to combining adult violence and dark comedy, and one of its producers, David Leitch, who still has an impressive track record in the action genre. Additionally, it happens to have screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller, mostly known for writing the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movies. With these people on board, it’s no wonder I was ecstatic to see a badass St. Nick in action, even though it has been done in other movies and shows before this one. So, does it bring enough yuletide cheer to kickstart the Christmas season, or does it deserve a lump of coal this year? Let’s find out.  

The story follows Santa Claus (Harbour), a rough version of the holiday legend who’s not as jolly as the other Santas. It also centers on the wealthy Lightstone family celebrating Christmas together, including Trudy (Leah Brady), the daughter of Jason (Hassell) and Linda (Louder). Unfortunately, the family’s celebration is cut short when a band of mercenaries invades their estate. Led by Scrooge (Leguizamo), the paramilitary group seeks to steal thousands of dollars in cash from their vault. When Santa visits the Lightstones’ residence to deliver their presents, he gets caught in an unintentional battle for his life. Using his magical tricks, Santa fights to save the family and the spirit of Christmas.

I’ve heard that the film’s concept is a mixture of “Die Hard” and “Home Alone”. However, I describe it as a “what if” scenario, in which Santa watched the “John Wick” movies and decided to use the character’s violent methods to punish people on his naughty list. Since David Leitch was involved in the action franchise, this description makes perfect sense to me. The movie belongs in the category of films that deliver adult-rated takes on beloved fairy tales and legends, including the ones that went under our radar. While I’m usually down with the idea, it can only take these movies so far regarding the execution of their plots. “Violent Night” hopes to be the one that effectively combines popcorn entertainment with crazy adult violence without taking itself seriously because nothing screams “holiday cheer” than watching Santa stab someone in the eye with a Christmas star.

The important thing to know about the story is that it doesn’t set out to be an award-winning action classic. It only exists to do one thing and one thing only: to spread Christmas cheer and adult-rated entertainment. Unsurprisingly, the movie did just that, and it was a splendid early gift to have this year. It does take unoriginal elements from other action films and holiday-related stories, but the way it uses them is enough to inject some fun into its silly concept.

One of the elements I liked about its plot is that it examines people’s greed during the holiday season. With the kids always wanting nothing but cash and video games for Christmas, Santa loses hope and meaning due to the lack of Christmas spirit. He didn’t want anything to do with the holiday because of the greed that affected people’s minds. But all that changes when he gets caught in a dangerous scenario where he has to rescue Trudy, the daughter who wants nothing more than to have her family back together. It’s a somewhat heartfelt reflection on the true spirit of the holiday amid the violence and adult language. I wouldn’t say it’s the best-written story relating to its Christmas-themed messages. However, I can say that the plot is as entertaining as Santa brutally murdering the naughty mercenaries, even though it fails to expand on the idea further.

The last time Wirkola helmed a violent take on a fictional character was “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” almost a decade ago. While that movie has its moments of R-rated violence, it didn’t do much to be anything more than a mindless, forgettable popcorn flick. “Violent Night” has the director taking another shot at the concept, but with the jolly old fat man fighting the bad guys. The result is a fitting improvement over the critically-panned action horror take on the fairy tale. What makes Wirkola’s direction decent is how he mixes the adult-rated crass with the innocence of a family-friendly holiday movie. One minute, you’re watching something heartwarming and full of joy; the next, you see Santa drinking alcohol and brutalizing people with a sledgehammer. Additionally, it’s not afraid to throw in some adult humor, which delivers a good amount of shock and hilarity into the kills and dialogue.

The movie’s cast was also pretty good in their roles, especially David Harbour. When I first saw the trailer for “Violent Night”, I immediately knew that Harbour was a great fit to play the fat bearded man with a bad attitude. He’s got the grit from his other roles, including Jim Hopper from “Stranger Things”, but he’s also got the charisma to go along with it. As I watched the film, I still believed that he was undoubtedly the right guy to fill in Santa’s black boots. Harbour offers a satisfying blend of crass and wholesomeness to make the film’s mature take on St. Nick the one to believe in. John Leguizamo also did all right with his performance as Scrooge, and Alex Hassell was decent as Jason Lightstone. Leah Brady also makes for a solid presence onscreen as Trudy, the girl who communicates with Santa through the radio.

As for the action sequences, I would say they’re about as brutal as you expect from an R-rated action film set during Christmas. They’re violent, a little grotesque, and pretty entertaining. They’re suitably directed without being an eyesore regarding the editing, and they offer some satisfying kills to the people on Santa’s naughty list. You know, because a lump of coal is not enough. There’s also a scene that I can best describe as an R-rated version of “Home Alone”, and it’s honestly one of my favorite sequences of the movie.

Overall, “Violent Night” is an early Christmas gift that packs a bloody punch in its violence, comedy, and holiday cheer. Even though its concept is a tad fundamental regarding its formula, the movie is still a fun and gleefully brutal sleigh ride from start to finish and nothing else. From David Harbour’s portrayal as Santa to the entertaining action sequences, the film will have action fans saying “ho-ho-ho” throughout December or any other month. If you’re in the mood for a Christmas movie that’s more mature and violent than others, this film might be what you need to get into the holiday spirit. Just don’t watch it with the kids who believe in Santa, or else you’ll be on his naughty list.

​"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" stars Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, Olivia Colman, Harvey Guillén, Samson Kayo, Wagner Moura, Anthony Mendez, John Mulaney, Florence Pugh, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Ray Winstone. Releasing on December 21, 2022, the film has Puss in Boots setting out on a journey to restore his lost lives.

The film is directed by Joel Crawford, who also directed "The Croods: A New Age". He's also a storyboard artist for films like "Bee Movie", "Kung Fu Panda", "Rise of the Guardians", and "Trolls". It is a spin-off of the Shrek franchise and a sequel to the 2011 movie, "Puss in Boots". Do you ever wish you could embark on another fantastical adventure with the swash-buckling and handsome feline? Well, you're in luck because DreamWorks Animation is here to grant you that wish. Puss in Boots has become a fan favorite of the studio's popular franchise since his debut in 2004's "Shrek 2". Brought to life by Antonio Banderas, the adorable kitty offered a unique and joyous take on the fairy tale character and the similar sword-wielding outlaw Zorro, also played by Banderas. In context, this casting choice makes perfect sense. The titular cat has continued to do so in the other "Shrek" sequels and his solo adventures, including the 2011 spin-off film and the Netflix series "The Adventures of Puss in Boots". Several years later, DreamWorks decided to bring the dashing hero back for a new adventure that can be described as "life-changing". With that said, let's journey back to fairy tale land and see if this latest sequel marks a triumphant comeback for the character.

The story follows Puss in Boots (Banderas), a former fugitive and hero of San Ricardo. While saving a town from a giant monster, Puss loses his life due to a tragic accident. After learning that he has used eight of his nine lives, Puss is forced into retirement by living in Mama Luna's (Randolph) cat-filled home. Feeling depressed that his hero days are over, Puss eventually discovers the legend of the mystical Wishing Star, which can grant the founder any wish they want. With the help of Kitty Softpaws (Hayek) and a wannabe therapy dog (Guillén), Puss sets out to find the Wishing Star and restore his lost lives. Unfortunately, he also has to outsmart a few adversaries attempting to hunt him down, including Goldilocks (Pugh) and the three bears, as well as the mysterious Big Bad Wolf (Moura).

Puss in Boots has been listed as one of my favorite characters in the DreamWorks Animation library since "Shrek 2" for the reasons I listed above. He's also one of the characters who helped introduce me to Antonio Banderas, with another being Gregorio Cortez from the "Spy Kids" movies. My love for Puss in Boots led me to watch his spin-off film in the theater, and I thought it was entertaining. It didn't do much to stand alongside the studio's best works, but it delivered a fun enough story to successfully expand the Shrek franchise. That alone was enough for me to reunite with the character eleven years later. Man, I feel old.

If you're wondering how I saw it earlier than expected, it's because I attended a special early screening of the movie. I went with my mother and sister, and we all had a great time together. If there's anything better than watching a movie, it's watching it with the family. But what about the film itself? Did it live up to the expectations it provided? Honestly, yes, it did. With its unique style and a colorful blast of action, humor, and heart, "The Last Wish" granted its own wish of being surprisingly better than the 2011 film.

One of the reasons for its improvement is the story. The movie features a clever take on the "nine lives" scenario, with Puss only down to his final life. As a result, the fearless feline faces an even greater challenge: fear. The story sees Puss on a journey to find the star and restore his lives, only to discover what really matters in life. Not only did it maintain my interest in its concept, but it also provided a highly entertaining and thoughtful story to coincide with its fairy tale environment. "The Last Wish" delivers many elements we've come to expect from a DreamWorks Animation movie, including its family-friendly comedy and fast-paced action. However, the direction for the film's challenging topics makes it stand out from most of those films.

With its underlying themes relating to death, it makes sense for "The Last Wish" to be a tad darker than the first film. It still provides a series of light-hearted entertainment for the kids, but it also has a few sequences that are surprisingly more intense for that age group. This is similar to the other great DreamWorks sequels, "Kung Fu Panda 2" and "How to Train Your Dragon 2", in which the stories combine their usual brand of humor with intense action and mature themes. While "The Last Wish" is a tad below those fantastic follow-ups due to a couple of predictable moments, the film effectively showcases the studio's ability to provide family-friendly entertainment and test specific boundaries of its storytelling.

Like the 2011 film, "The Last Wish" also benefits from its lovable cast of characters, including Puss, Kitty Softpaws, and Perrito. In addition to being enjoyable, some characters offer a good amount of depth to strengthen the film's messages. The movie also felt more connected to the Shrek universe with its cameos, which I won't reveal in case you haven't watched it yet. They are also brought to life by a cast of talented actors, especially Antonio Banderas, who never ceases to amaze me as the titular character. Salma Hayek Pinault was also entertaining as Kitty, and Harvey Guillén was a delightful surprise as Perrito, the dog who accompanies Puss and Kitty. I honestly wasn't expecting Perrito to steal the show in most of his scenes, but he did, and it was a joy to watch. The humor involving Perrito was absolutely hilarious. Florence Pugh was also great as Goldilocks, one of Puss's enemies who are after the star. I can't say anything more about Goldilocks and the Big Bad Wolf, who's marvelously voiced by Wagner Moura. But I can say that the way these antagonists are handled is "just right".

But, of course, the story isn't the only thing that got an upgrade for the sequel. The film's animation is another element that makes it stand out from the first movie. "The Last Wish" continues the studio's trend of providing a unique style inspired by "Into the Spider-Verse", which creatively combines CGI and 2D animation. The sequel utilizes new technology to make it resemble more like storybook illustrations and showcase the frenetic and stylistic flair similar to "The Bad Guys" and "Into the Spider-Verse". The result is another remarkable showcase of vibrance and creativity. In addition, the animation provides a splendid amount of color and style to display its imaginative world and thrilling action scenes. If this new style is the studio's future, then I can't wait to see what it'll bring to the table for their upcoming projects.

Overall, "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" makes its wish of being a fun, thoughtful, and visually imaginative fairy-tale adventure come true. This is another animated sequel from DreamWorks that took the predecessor's elements and effectively improved them regarding its themes and animation. Heck, I would even say that it's better than Joel Crawford's directorial debut, "The Croods: A New Age", another DreamWorks sequel. With its delightful cast of characters, strong direction, thought-provoking messages, fantastic animation, and entertaining mixture of action and comedy, the film is a near-"purrfect" choice for families and fans of its predecessor to see over the holiday season. Additionally, it's also one of the best animated films from the studio and one of the best of the year regarding the art of animation.

​“Strange World” stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, and Lucy Liu. Released on November 23, 2022, the film has a family of explorers traversing through an uncharted and surreal world.

The film was directed by Don Hall, who also directed “Winnie the Pooh”, “Big Hero 6”, and “Raya and the Last Dragon”. It is the 61st feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Besides making fairy tales and musicals, Disney is known for delivering animated adventure films that provide family-friendly thrills instead of characters breaking into song. Those include the likes of “Tarzan”, “Atlantis: The Lost Empire”, “Treasure Planet”, and even last year’s “Raya and the Last Dragon”. The studio’s latest animated feature is no different, as it looks to take viewers to a world where surreal is the norm. Seeing that I enjoyed some of Disney’s previous action-packed animated films, there’s no doubt I was willing to join in on this adventure. With that said, let’s head into uncharted territory and see if this strange expedition is worth taking.

The movie follows Searcher Clade (Gyllenhaal), a farmer who’s also the son of the legendary adventurer Jaeger Clade (Quaid). Searcher has spent 25 years outside his father’s shadow by harvesting a newly found plant into fuel resources for the land of Avalonia. However, the quiet life is interrupted when Searcher, his wife Meridian (Union), and their son Ethan (Young-White) are assigned by Avalonia’s president, Callisto Mal (Liu), to tackle their latest mission. Their assignment leads them to a mysterious world underneath Avalonia, inhabited by various unusual life forms. With Jaeger joining the fun, Searcher must rely on his courage and his family to complete their dangerous task and save the planet from destruction.

“Strange World” is another film in which Disney took inspiration from specific source materials and cultures to create an original story. This time, it takes inspiration from pulp magazines from the 20th century and pays homage to retro sci-fi films from years past, such as “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “King Kong”. Even the teaser trailer was created to recapture the look of a retro movie. Although, from the looks of the trailers, the film also reminded me of James Cameron’s “Avatar”, which is now owned by Disney. This seemed somehow appropriate since Cameron’s sequel is coming out in a couple of weeks. But, of course, all that matters is how they combine them to make a worthy story about the importance of family and legacies. So how does it live up to the brand’s legacy? Well, if you expect it to be the next animated classic, you might be slightly disappointed with this discovery. However, that doesn’t make it less fun than the other family-friendly adventures of years past.

The story makes “Strange World” the latest movie in Disney’s library to feature generational trauma as its central theme. Amid the adventure into the unknown world lies a tale about Searcher struggling to keep his son Ethan from becoming like Jaeger, who left Searcher behind to pursue his own destiny. However, Searcher would soon discover that a legacy is more than just keeping up with the tradition. The movie offers a suitable message about choosing their own paths and respecting other people’s interests. Additionally, it showcases that the greatest discovery is what’s in front of us, mainly in the case of Jaeger.

While the themes shown are genuinely heartwarming, its storytelling doesn’t quite live up to its weirdly convincing premise. The story features many familiar traits we’ve seen in other movies, primarily the ones from the adventure genre, including the overprotective father trope and generational trauma. The film also had plenty of fun moments that kept it from being a dull exploration, especially the humor. Unfortunately, the plot falters from its fundamental world-building and average screenplay. For a peculiar world filled with creative environments, it should’ve been much stranger than the film’s on-the-nose title.

Another fun moment that drives this adventure is the characters. Disney is no stranger to making every character in animation likable and entertaining, even the ones that are formulaic. The characters in “Strange World” are no exception. In addition to the diversity and representation, the characters offer the energy, charm, and heart we’ve seen before, especially Searcher and Jaeger. They may not join the ranks of the studio’s memorable characters like Snow White, Tarzan, and even Elsa from “Frozen”, but the ones in “Strange World” deliver enough moments to satisfy me and its target audience. Additionally, the voice cast did a solid job providing their vocal talents to their respective characters. Jake Gyllenhaal was decent as Searcher, and Dennis Quaid offers a lot of energy and amusement in his role of Jaeger. Jaboukie Young-White was also entertaining regarding his performance as Ethan. But, of course, there’s also Splat, another side character from Disney destined to be popular among kids. There’s not much to say about Splat, one of the world’s creatures, except he’s adorable.

Finally, we have the animation. It’s unsurprising that Disney delivers quality in its CGI animation and world-building regarding their movies. Regardless of how you feel about the recent films, you can’t ignore that the studio has consistently met its expectations regarding its style. “Strange World” continues this trend by delivering the dazzle and wonder of its environments with its CGI animation. I also appreciate the different color palettes that resemble the two worlds, with orange and white for Avalonia and red and magenta for the strange world. They set the two apart distinctively and imaginatively, even though the world-building for the underground realm was bare-bones. 

Overall, “Strange World” delivers a mildly fun expedition through its peculiar setting. However, it’s not enough to overshadow a middling narrative that fails to live up to its title. It’s far from a dull journey, as it provides plenty of elements seen in Disney’s other movies, such as the eye-popping animation, messages, and likable characters. Unfortunately, it also falls short of what the studio is known for regarding its quality. The plot struggles with some of its emotional beats, the script is formulaic, and the world-building is surprisingly more fundamental than weird. It makes for a fine distraction for the kids, but compared to Disney’s other animated masterpieces, there’s not much else worth exploring for anyone else.