Year: 2019
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton, Nico Parker, Finley Hobbins, and a (CGI) baby elephant
Tagline: A beloved tale will take you to new heights
Starring: Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton, Nico Parker, Finley Hobbins, and a (CGI) baby elephant
Tagline: A beloved tale will take you to new heights
Synopsis: Dumbo, a baby circus elephant, goes from laughing stock to center ring when it is discovered his oversized ears allow him to fly.
Review
It has probably been at least 25 years since I saw the animated Dumbo. I remember not liking it as a kid and never found a reason to watch it again. Having Dumbo separated from his mom was rather traumatic. And those pink elephants on parade when Dumbo accidentally gets drunk? Yeesh!
So, I went into this live-action Dumbo with low expectations. And although it is by no means a great film, it was more enjoyable than I expected.
The relationship between Dumbo and his mom is still the heart of the story. We don't get as much from her. She's portrayed as a more realistic elephant. But Dumbo's attachment and longing for her are endearing and hold the story together. "Baby Mine" is still there, but sung by a member of the circus troupe.
Also still there are those pink elephants on parade. But this time they are bubbles, and part of a choreographed bubble show. It's still a little weird, but it fits with the story. Dumbo simply watches the bubbles in awe. Earlier in the film there is even a joke about "no booze for the baby" elephant.
Rather than have Dumbo's friend be a mouse, this time around the little elephant is befriended first by two children and then the rest of the circus performers. Having little Dumbo find encouragement from two motherless children does work within the story. But the humans aren't particularly strong characters.
The human characters all felt rather flat or stock. The characters we were supposed to like were likable enough. The characters we weren't supposed to like were clearly unlikable. In fact, Michael Keaton's V.A. Vandevere was downright obnoxious. He was the most over-the-top part of the movie. And that's saying something for a movie with a flying elephant.
The film's saving grace is the little elephant himself. Dumbo is pretty adorable. He ends up loyal and brave but starts out feeling alone and scared. His longing for his mom is touching. And each time he takes flight, it is suitably thrilling.
The film is rated PG for some intense scenes (intense for little ones that is) and one almost cuss word (his kids purposefully interrupt him).
Dumbo is by no means a great film. But it was more enjoyable than I expected. The titular elephant is indeed quite cute and lovable. He really does carry the movie. The humans are ... serviceable. I'd say it is worth seeing via Redbox or on Netflix. It's worth seeing an elephant fly.
*** Spoiler Section ***
I liked the way the film wrapped everything up. The climactic rescue was clever enough and once again showcased Dumbo's loyalty and bravery. It also had the right amount of humor. It was also nice to have all the human characters have a fresh start in the all new Medici Family Circus. And it was nice to see Dumbo and his mom find their way to other elephants. Mostly it was cool to have Dumbo flying through a jungle rather than a circus tent.
My question, though, is how did they afford any of that? I'm guessing it takes a sizable amount of money to send two elephants from New York to India. Even if the ship's captain didn't charge them for the ride, there would still be the cost of feeding them all those weeks. And then where did Max get the money to restart his traveling circus? Did Alan Arkin's character just decide to give Max a few thousand dollars after buying him that hot dog?
Seriously, where'd all the money come from?
So, I went into this live-action Dumbo with low expectations. And although it is by no means a great film, it was more enjoyable than I expected.
The relationship between Dumbo and his mom is still the heart of the story. We don't get as much from her. She's portrayed as a more realistic elephant. But Dumbo's attachment and longing for her are endearing and hold the story together. "Baby Mine" is still there, but sung by a member of the circus troupe.
Also still there are those pink elephants on parade. But this time they are bubbles, and part of a choreographed bubble show. It's still a little weird, but it fits with the story. Dumbo simply watches the bubbles in awe. Earlier in the film there is even a joke about "no booze for the baby" elephant.
Rather than have Dumbo's friend be a mouse, this time around the little elephant is befriended first by two children and then the rest of the circus performers. Having little Dumbo find encouragement from two motherless children does work within the story. But the humans aren't particularly strong characters.
The human characters all felt rather flat or stock. The characters we were supposed to like were likable enough. The characters we weren't supposed to like were clearly unlikable. In fact, Michael Keaton's V.A. Vandevere was downright obnoxious. He was the most over-the-top part of the movie. And that's saying something for a movie with a flying elephant.
The film's saving grace is the little elephant himself. Dumbo is pretty adorable. He ends up loyal and brave but starts out feeling alone and scared. His longing for his mom is touching. And each time he takes flight, it is suitably thrilling.
The film is rated PG for some intense scenes (intense for little ones that is) and one almost cuss word (his kids purposefully interrupt him).
Dumbo is by no means a great film. But it was more enjoyable than I expected. The titular elephant is indeed quite cute and lovable. He really does carry the movie. The humans are ... serviceable. I'd say it is worth seeing via Redbox or on Netflix. It's worth seeing an elephant fly.
*** Spoiler Section ***
I liked the way the film wrapped everything up. The climactic rescue was clever enough and once again showcased Dumbo's loyalty and bravery. It also had the right amount of humor. It was also nice to have all the human characters have a fresh start in the all new Medici Family Circus. And it was nice to see Dumbo and his mom find their way to other elephants. Mostly it was cool to have Dumbo flying through a jungle rather than a circus tent.
My question, though, is how did they afford any of that? I'm guessing it takes a sizable amount of money to send two elephants from New York to India. Even if the ship's captain didn't charge them for the ride, there would still be the cost of feeding them all those weeks. And then where did Max get the money to restart his traveling circus? Did Alan Arkin's character just decide to give Max a few thousand dollars after buying him that hot dog?
Seriously, where'd all the money come from?
Quotable Quotes
- "Is that a monkey in your desk?" "Just for emergencies." -- V.A. Vandevere and Max Medici
- "Fly, Dumbo. Fly." -- Milly Farrier
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