Review by John M. Delia, Jr.
The spectacular animated hit from the 1940’s is now brought to life in a new live action film. The cute little elephant that won our hearts, now tells us a story of how he showed us that everyone has their place in the world no matter how they appear and how smart they may be.
Keeping with the original film’s starting format the story begins in Sarasota Florida, where they are preparing for their travel to show off to the world the Circus, for this year’s season. The show has fallen on hard times the past few years. With the war going on in Europe fewer and fewer people are now attending circuses. Max Medici (Danny DeVito), the circus owner and ringmaster, has purchased a new elephant in hopes of improving the show. What he’s relying on is a double investment return, as she is pregnant and due any time.
Meeting the group at their first stop, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) a World War I veteran, is returning from war and meets up with the Circus at the beginning of the tour. A former horse master who can ride the horses like a superstar hopes to go back to work. He is greeted by his daughter and son, along with Pramesh Singh (Roshan Seth), a snake charmer, and the majority of the crew. With the loss of their mother due to illness, Milly Farrier (Nico Parker) Holt’s daughter and Joe Farrier (Finley Hobbins) Holt’s son have been working with the circus this past year.
When Dumbo shows up on the scene things start booming for the circus and Max sees money in the future. This new attraction gets the attention from the likes of V.A Vandevere (Michael Keaton) an enigmatic entrepreneur, a future partner J. Griffin Remington (Alan Arkin), a Wall Street Tycoon, and Colette Marchant (Eva Green) a French Trapeze artist. These new friends may change the future for all of them, including the little new star of the circus.
Director Tim Burton brings this story to life and goes even further imagining this adventure for all these wonderful performers. He keeps with the original story theme and proves that everyone is important to the world. The special effects’ CGI makes Dumbo and the other animals look real and exciting to watch. He includes the mouse (Timothy Q Mouse) from the original story, but his roll is much less since the point of view of this story is through the eyes of the Farrier’s and not Dumbo like the original.
This heart-warming story will bring tears of emotions like the previous version, but it does lack the true feelings of Dumbo and his mother. Burton does attempt to show their feelings through their expressions, but it’s hard to truly see what they are feeling. This is a fantastic story that is displayed very well and will win you over with its beautiful presentation.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the wonderful storyline, excellent special effects, and deep meaning that the movie brings us. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information
Cast: Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Nico Parker, Finley Hobbins, Roshan Seth, and Alan Arkin
Directed by: Tim Burton
Genre:Â Family, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for peril/action, some thematic elements, and brief mild language.
Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: March 29, 2019
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release In:Â Standard, Dolby Vision, and IMAX