Dumbo (2019)
First time watching:
Jumped once
Cried multiple times but nothing heavy. The whole movie has a tone of sad but was also so very sweet (like a Littmus Lozenge).
The best part about this movie is that it feels like it could have happened to a living breathing circus. The performers in the Medici Bros Circus are all so unique. They do not feel like a caricature of a troupe but a seasoned one. It completely helps with world building before Jumbo Jr. is born.
Jumbo Jr. aka Dumbo!
This beautiful baby is so well CGI rendered that I never once was taken out of the movie because of it. My favorite thing about him is how effortlessly I could feel the emotions he was conveying. He makes some of the cutest noises throughout as well as some of the saddest.
The pink elephants on parade was glorious! Love how they chose to do that iconic moment from the original Dumbo in this one. I audibly squealed with delight.
The main father figure in the movie is Holt Farrier played by Colin Farrell. Oh my goodness was Colin Farrell in his element. I love him in period pieces. He is so believable as a rough and weathered man who has been through it. I enjoy that the character of Holt is learning what it means to be a father throughout the film.
Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins play Milly and Joe Farrier. They do a wonderful job of keeping the genuine sweetness of the movie flowing. Children are so accepting and kind that was played out splendidly. Also the characters handled the name change of Jumbo Jr. to Dumbo in a way that made me not feel like I was teasing a baby elephant by calling him Dumbo.
Danny Devito was a gem as usual. Loved his sing song moment in the beginning...what a lovely touch.
As much as I enjoyed Eva Green’s character Colette. I had a eh with her being such a sudden romantic interest. Though I do not officially know the length of time we see pass in the movie. It felt unnecessary.
Round of applause for Miss Atlantis, Sharon Rooney, singing Baby Mine. Incredible as well as deeply sad. Went home and listened to it again four times.
Casey Junior, the icon, was in peek performance throughout. Loved the rustic, worn, yet still magical exterior.
Overall I had a wonderful time seeing this movie. It breathed new life into Dumbo which is lovely because I enjoy a good circus theme anytime. A tweet I saw about the movie I tended to agree with was from Patrick Dougall. He said “Dumbo was fine. I enjoyed it, but it was definitely missing that Disney magic. I didn’t have as much of an emotional connection as I think I should have. But on a good note, CGI Dumbo was cuter than ever!“ I feel what he is saying. I didn't know how to word it before but totally agree it felt like it was missing Disney magic. I really enjoyed it though because it was Tim Burton magic. There is a very different spark between the two, Disney and Tim Burton, and the Tim Burton one is lit.
Audience analysis:
Packed house on opening night.
Every trailer before the movie had people buzzing since they debuted all the upcoming Disney projects in a row. Many chats about I am totally going to go see that. My favorite thing I heard was “Wait, is that Will Smith?” to the Aladdin trailer...OBVIOUSLY.
During the movie lots of children laughing and making little whispering comments. One full on had a crying melt down near the beginning and their father took them out of the theatre.
Lots of adults laughing at the jokes geared towards them and kids following in mimic fashion.
I went with a child and he had a fantastic time. He is four and didn’t cry or freak out to any of the more heavy themes. Lots of laughing and giggling from the pair of us throughout the movie. He mentioned not enjoying Nightmare Island anytime it came on screen is hushed whispers but that was it for the negatives.