The members of the Clade family find themselves in an underground universe they never knew existed. They must put aside their differences and unite their efforts to save the city of Avalonia, which they helped to make prosper.
The 61e feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios draws its inspiration from popular magazines at the turn of the 20th centurye century, when larger-than-life heroes achieved remarkable feats.
The computer animation is spectacular. Director Don Hall and co-director and screenwriter Qui Nguyen, who had collaborated as (respectively) director and co-screenwriter of Raya and the Last Dragon, competed in imagination to create a new universe populated by creatures with unpredictable reactions, reminiscent of Jules Verne’s novels. It’s fun not knowing who to watch out for and guessing what the friendly little gelatinous being, who lends a helping hand to visitors, is trying to communicate.
The story, devoid of real stakes, is much less original. The tribulations of the Clade family members hold few surprises. At the forefront is the rocky relationship between Jaeger Clade, obsessed with exploring the world, and his homebody son Searcher. During their last expedition, Searcher discovers a plant, which will prove to be a formidable source of energy and will transform the way of life of the inhabitants of Avalonia. For 25 years, Searcher (voiced by Jake Gyllenhaal) enjoyed cultivating it. The farmer is confident that his 16-year-old son, Ethan, will take over. He will have to accept that the teenager has other plans, when the survival of the famous energy-generating plant is threatened and they take part in a rescue mission, during which they will save the brave Jaeger (voice of Dennis Quaid), still alive.
Although much attention is focused on the father, the son and the grandson, two very strong female characters are also put forward: the intrepid Meridian Clade (voice of Gabrielle Union), who is a pilot of plane and flies to the rescue of her husband and son, as well as Avalonia President Callisto Mal (voiced by Lucy Liu).
The animated film is full of good intentions by addressing several themes at once, such as acceptance of oneself and others, as well as the impact of human action on the environment. The characters are rich and want to be representative of various fringes of society (the young Ethan is gay, his parents form a biracial couple and their adorable dog Legend has three legs). By raking too wide, however, and quickly settling any potential source of conflict, this animated film with yet splendid images arouses few emotions. That’s a shame.
Indoors
Animation
Strange World (V.F.: Avalonia: A Strange World)
Don Hall and Qui Nguyen
Voice of Jake Gyllenhaal, Gabrielle Union, Dennis Quaid
1:42