Is Around The World In 80 Days Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Around The World In 80 Days, a standout production of 2000, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Animation landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Travel back in time to a scene set in London in 1872, where a young Phileas Fogg is about to wager a fortune in the hope of completing an impossible challenge, to travel around the world in 80 days or less. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Animation are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Travel back in time to a scene set in London in 1872, where a young Phileas Fogg is about to wager a fortune in the hope of completing an impossible challenge, to travel around the world in 80 days or less. Together with his new man servant, Passpartout, the two men set sail across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans in hope of finishing their journey in time and winning their bet. However, trouble is afoot when a mysterious gentleman thief steals over £50,000 from the Bank of England. The hunt is on to find him and Inspector Fix suspects Fogs to he the bank robber and begins tailing him. Will this jeopardise Phileas Fogg's plans - an he complete his journey around the world in 80 days? Enjoy Jules Verne's classic tale of discovery and adventure."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Simon Callow provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Jean-François Laguionie is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 49 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Around The World In 80 Days truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Animation, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Around The World In 80 Days explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2000 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jean-François Laguionie respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Around The World In 80 Days is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Simon Callow or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Around The World In 80 Days is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.