Score: 60/100
“Dumbo” is a remake, or in better words, a re-imagining, of the 1941 animated movie of the same name. This version is directed by Tim Burton and stars Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito as people who run a circus, where a flying elephant named Dumbo is the headlining act.
In this movie, our favorite baby elephant, Dumbo, is born with very large ears that enables him to fly. He is separated from his family but finds comfort in a new family that is made up of the other members of the circus.
Dumbo, along with the help of his new family, becomes the headline act of the circus and draws the attention of some individuals who don’t have his best interest at heart.
The best thing in this movie by far is Dumbo. The elephant is incredibly cute and every time he is on screen, you will find yourself smiling. The visual effects are great throughout the whole movie and you’ll have to remind yourself afterwards that the elephants weren’t real.
The movie is also incredibly heartwarming and there are a lot of moments throughout that will make the audience emotional.
The cast, for the most part, gave good performances; Keaton is over the top, but it works. Also, for fans of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, there is a cool nod to the hit TV comedy in there.
On the negative however, this movie is poorly directed. Tim Burton continues to be his own worst enemy and repeatedly puts his weird spin on everything he directs.
Even though Keaton works as this over-the-top villain in the film, that is just because of the performer he is. You must wonder why Burton wrote and directed him that way.
He makes other choices throughout the film directing-wise that don’t fit with the tone of the movie and almost ruins some of the best parts of the film.
This film also differs a lot from the original animated film, so be forewarned going in not to expect to see the same film. Don’t expect this film to be up to same standard of some of Disney’s other live-action remakes such as “The Jungle Book.”
If you do, then you are setting yourself up for disappointment at the end. However, if you are looking forward to watching a visually-stunning film and having a good time with a beloved character from your childhood, this is your movie.
