Around The World In 80 Days || A Lighthearted Adventure Film.

It's kind of been ages since I saw an animated film plus I wasn't just in the mood for thrillers and action movies so I thought I'd settle for an adventure packed, lighthearted animated film.

What I didn’t expect was how much this animated retelling leans into both its silliness and sense of wonder. It’s a fun film, especially for younger audiences, with enough charm to keep adults entertained too.

Around The World In 80 Days

In this one, we follow the journey of Passepartout, a young, ambitious monkey with a thirst for exploration. Dreaming of seeing the world beyond his tiny, tropical island, Passepartout seizes the opportunity when he meets the adventurous and somewhat reckless Phileas Frog. Phileas, always looking to make a name for himself, takes on a wild bet to travel around the world in 80 days, and Passepartout eagerly joins him on this whirlwind adventure ignoring his mother's warning.

My Review

One of the first things that struck me about this film was its animation style. I love colorful animations and the bright, vibrant colors in this one really make the world pop, making each location feel distinct and imaginative. From deserts to snowy mountaintops, the visual design does a great job of making the audience feel like they’re really along for the ride. It’s clear the creators wanted this to feel like a big, whimsical adventure and yeah they succeeded on that front.

Passepartout is an easy character to root for. His wide-eyed optimism and pure excitement about the world beyond his island is infectious. Phileas Frog, on the other hand, brings in a good amount of comedic energy with his bravado and knack for getting into sticky situations. I admired the relationship between the two. Their relationship works well, with Passepartout’s cautious nature balancing Phileas’ carefree recklessness.

The film doesn’t stray too far from the traditional themes of the original story; courage, perseverance, and adventure but it adds its own kid-friendly twist with over-the-top antics and lighthearted humor. I'll tell you that although it’s more geared towards younger audiences, there are enough witty moments to keep adults engaged as well. Phileas’ overconfidence often leads to hilarious mishaps and there’s a good balance between action and humor throughout.

I also liked the incorporation of songs to some scenes. It made those scenes memorable.

All in all, Around the World in 80 Days is a fun, visually pleasing adventure that’s perfect for a family movie night. It doesn’t break new ground in terms of storytelling, but its heart is in the right place and it’s full of energy. The film’s humor and light tone make it an easy watch, especially for younger audiences who will enjoy the slapstick and silliness.

This adventure film does deliver on its promise of a fun, globe-trotting adventure. It’s colorful, lighthearted and filled with enough laughs.

Rating: ⅗.