Dog’s Movie House: “Devotion,” “Strange World,” Entertaining Thanksgiving Fare!

“Devotion” tells the tale of Jesse Brown, the first black aviator flying combat missions during the Korean War. Brown, a devoted family man and ace pilot, has to deal with the racial discrimination and prejudices rampant during the 1950s. For example, Brown is relegated to ensign while his squadmates are all officers. Brown faces his challenges with the help of Tom Hudner (Glen Powell) a recent transfer who doesn’t give a hoot about the color of Brown’s skin. The two form a tight friendship as wingmen and combat officers as they navigate the perils of war from without and the perils of racism and inequality from within.

It sounds like a message movie, but the makers of “Devotion” don’t play it that way. There is a simmering intensity to the film that works best in the quiet moments, especially the scenes in which Brown motivates himself by shouting every racist insult ever hurled at him while alone looking in a mirror. Jonathan Majors is a terrific talent and he sells the anger without ever overacting. He knows his responsibility to his black brethren as well as his responsibility to his squaderon. Losing his cool could mean the deaths of his squadmates. Add the fact that Brown has a supportive wife and child at home and he has several compelling reasons to be on his best behavior.

The acting is first rate here, with Majors of course being the strong point. He’s matched by Powell who’s turn as Hudner feels authentic and never like a white savior trope. Also terrific is Christina Jackson as Daisy, Jesse’s wife, who supports her husband but shows an independent spirit that meshes with Jesse’s perfectly. J.D Dillard’s direction is smooth and the action scenes have real pop, though there are not quite as many of them as the trailer suggests. Those who know the true story of Brown and Hudland will know how the story ends, but the pleasure is in the journey. Jesse Brown’s story is not as well known as some of the other black pioneers, but his service, sacrafice, and courage stands right alongside people like Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson. This is a well-done war film that should be enjoyed on the big screen. 4 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer!

Next we have Disney’s latest. It’s called “Strange World” and is set in a the fictional land of Avalonia, a land populated by folks who are scraping by with limited technology and resources. When Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal), son of legendary explorer Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid), finds a plant called Pando that produces energy, he leaves the exploring world to be a farmer and help Avalonia evolve in terms of technology. Years later, with a son of his own, he finds out that the Pando is dying and he is tasked with a team to venture into the unknown lands beyond Avalonia to attempt to save Avalonia. Along the way he has to deal with father/son issues both with his father and his son.

Now that’s the bare bones of the plot of “Strange World,” and to reveal any more would be depriving you of some of the fun to be had. The animation is eye-popping and gorgeous, with directors Don Hall and Qui Nguyen (who also scripted) giving us a unique world in which even the trees and land masses are alive. It’s a place of alien wonder and danger as Searcher and his group attempt to discover the mystery of the dying Pando.

The voice cast is quite good, with Gyllenhaal and Quaid being standouts. Jaboukie Young-White is also very good as Ethan Glade, Searcher’s son who wants to go his own way while still staying true to his family. Gabrielle Union has some nice moments as Searcher’s wife Meridian, a pilot whose skills come in handy on more than one occasion. The family dynamic adds a layer of depth and enjoyment to the adventuresome proceedings. The mashup of “Journey To The Center of The Earth” and “Fantastic Voyage” makes “Strange World” a fairly original offering despite many of the familiar tropes the film employs.

Finally, I have to address it because someone’s gonna ask. Yes, Ethan Glade is a gay teenager who has a crush on a schoolmate. It’s no big deal in terms of the story. In fact, it’s kind of refreshing that both the farming father and the explorer grandfather are more concerned about their child’s career choices than in his sexuality. The folks of Avalonia seem to be far more foward-thinking than we are, evidently. Unfortunately the media has turned its hype-machine on this small narrative point and the publicity is definitely hurting its box office. Listen to me: go see the film. It’s good old fashioned family fun with a few wrinkle thrown in, just like the perfect Thanksgiving! 4 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

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