Director Tim Burton ("Big Eyes") stamps his brand of fantastical world into Disney's live action remake of 1941 animated classic, "Dumbo."
World War I soldier Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell; "Saving Mr. Banks," "Winter's Tale," "Total Recall") returns to his two kids, Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins). His wife passed away during his absence. The family also returns to circus life, the Medici Brothers' Circus owned by Max Medici (Danny DeVito), where Holt is assigned to be an elephant caretaker.
Jumbo the elephant gives birth to a baby elephant with oversized ears, later to be called Dumbo. The baby animal, cute as it maybe, is viewed as a freak, which stretches credibility. He's painted as a clown and casted aside as a minor attraction.
A chaotic accident leads to a heartrending separation of Jumbo and Dumbo. Milly and Joe strike a friendship with Dumbo. They find that Dumbo is naturally drawn to feathers and he can flap his ears and use them as wings. It takes a fire rig incident at the show for Dumbo to soar, much to the bewilderment of the audience. There's a sense of wonder when Dumbo flies around the tent.
As Dumbo's star is rising, he's attracting a cutthroat circus mogul, V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton, "The Founder," "Spotlight"). He buys Medici's circus and incorporates the group into his theme park attractions, Dreamland.
The plan is to have his trapeze artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green, "Perfect Sense") rides Dumbo as he flies in the Dreamland's show. Dumbo and Colette eventually fly, although it doesn't go smoothly and the show is botched. Meanwhile, Vandevere has another plan as well, one that doesn't bode well for the Medici troupe.
The movie drags on for the first half and honestly feels rather bland, but it takes flight in the last third act with a suspenseful rescue mission adventure. The entire crew is determined to foil Vandevere's plan. Vandevere here becomes a caricature scoundrel, but it fits with the theme of a kids movie.
The theme park retro-futuristic design and Cirque-like costumes are a visual treat. Dumbo will make you believe that an elephant can fly. While it doesn't look exactly real, the CGI-rendered elephant goes for magical realism and looks believable enough. He's got childlike, loveable eyes and demeanors that can elicit emotions.
The movie has a message about truly believing in oneself, especially when the situation is critical and calls for it. This affects not only Dumbo, but also his human friend, Milly.
While "Dumbo" doesn't soar quite high, it's a delightful flight and you'll end up smiling from ear to ear.
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