Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Tim Burton, Walt Disney Pictures, PG 112 Minutes.
The loveable Disney character Dumbo which proved to be such a success following the release of the 1941 animated feature has now been made into a live-action adventure movie by the renowned director of fantasy films Tim Burton (‘Batman’).
The classic story set in post-WW1 New York, has circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito –‘Junior’) hiring former performer Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell –‘Widows’) and his two children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant.
As it turns out, this charming elephant has oversized ears and initially considered a joke within a struggling circus until they discover that Dumbo can fly which enables the circus to make a surprising comeback.
At the same time Dumbo’s new-found fame draws the attention of sinister show business entrepreneur V. A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton –‘Spotlight’) determined to use the flying elephant in his latest entertainment venture, Dreamland, alongside aerial artist Colette Marchant (Eva Green –‘Euphoria’).
However, Vandevere’s plans are somewhat thwarted by the intervention of the circus’s one-armed elephant handler Holt, a former war veteran and circus star, not to mention his two children both of whom are performing in their first feature film.
Many moviegoers especially those young enough will remember the fantasy story behind Dumbo but now Burton has transformed the cartoon classic into a delightful live-action adventure filled with emotion and spectacle against a circus backdrop.
Apart from Burton’s surreal storyline, including his infusion of costumes and settings, are the entertaining performances of DeVito, Farrell and Keaton with the show’s star being the fantastic flying elephant Dumbo set to thrill a new generation of youngsters.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
