Dumbo (2019)

Struggling circus owner Max Medici asks a former star to care for the new baby elephant born with oversized ears. When they discover it can fly, a new main attraction is born, bringing in more than just the crowds.

Rating: 6.5/10
Genre: Fantasy
Related Titles: Dumbo, The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
By Leanne Harragan

The latest movie in a long-line of Disney remakes is the classic Dumbo from 1941. This was always going to be an interesting ones, considering the multiple controversies that have followed Dumbo. It became even more of an interesting one when Tim Burton was brought in as the director, he's quite a divisive figure with people usually either loving or hating his work. 

Considering Tim Burton's usual style, I didn't think this film was overly 'Burton-y.' It definitely had it's look and trademarks but wasn't overly his design. The film is more so focused on the life of the circus tradesmen rather than the elephant itself. It's perfectly fine but it's all too familiar and safe to really be a memorable film that will make a mark. 

The animation is very slick and Dumbo looks great, as expressive as any of the human actors on-screen. The cast is full of recognisable faces with big names like Colin Farrell, Danny Devito and Michael Keaton all coming at the top of the bill. Michael Keaton played big-town amusement park owner Vandermere and although he gave a great performance, his character was super bizarre. Danny Devito played circus owner Medici and was again great, but again his character was underdeveloped and was just there to provide the occasional comic relief. Colin Farrell played the sort-of main guy Holt, returning from war to be the angst ridden father that never really connected with his kids. Honestly, all the performances were great, but the poorly written characters left them all feeling like walking cliches and one-dimensional characters.

For any young cinema-goers, this film will be lapped up but for any adults in the screen, they may see through the slightly flimsy characterisations. It's not the worst remake that's come from the Disney remakes currently but it's definitely not the best by a long shot unfortunately. 

Rating: 7.5/10

By Rebecca Mannick 

Before seeing any trailer or poster about Dumbo, you already know its going to be colourful and extravagant because of Tim Burton's artistic direction. Dumbo as a movie allowed real life actors and a CGI world come together in a perfectly outrageous way but nevertheless worked well. To be honest I didn't really remember the story of this Disney classic apart from a flying elephant and I feel like I remember babies dropping from the sky? Anyway I went into Dumbo with high expectations as most of these Disney live action remakes are absolutely incredible so it would have been hard to match up.

The story itself is super sinister and quite alarming. The topic of animal captivity is really relevant and the children watching probably would be distressed and confused but unfortunately it is still the reality of our world. Even though the story of Dumbo was set in the early 1900's after WW1, animal cruelty and captivity still happens today and it is so important to raise awareness. The story goes that Medici (Danny DeVito) who runs a failing travelling circus buys an Asian elephant who is carry a child. Cue Dumbo the child with massive ears. Safe to say the crew were disappointed however Millie and Joe kids of Holt (Colin Farrell) made it their duty to look after Dumbo. This is where they realise and discover that he can fly. Things go south when Dumbo and Jumbo are separated with Dumbo forced to perform in the circus. The quest then becomes to reunite mother and son once again. 

To be honest I usually don't love Tim Burton movies - I find them fairly over the top however I feel Dumbo was slightly more subtle than normal. The creativity and vision behind the theme park 'Dreamland' was amazing and so aesthetically appealing. The acting was alright and nothing standout. I also mentioned that the kids in the film was also kind of plain and emotionless at times. On the whole it is a solid movie and I am enjoying these revamped Disney movies. They are re-created in good taste and keeping the Disney magic alive.