"Dumbo" Movie Review

Do any of you remember the original animated film? It was depressing and, while it was meaningful, it didn't leave much hope for the audience. Disney was able to give the live-action remake an incredible story and infuse it with the same magic that made us all fall in love with Disney's stories from the beginning.

Dumbo follows the story of two kids, Milly and Joe Farrier, in a traveling carnival. Their dad Holt has just returned from the war and finds that the carnival is doing horribly. Things begin to look up when the star elephant Mrs. Jumbo is close to having a baby. Ringmaster Max Medici thinks he could use the baby as an advertising tool. He becomes angered however when the baby is born with huge ears. The baby is put in the show anyway, but people don't take to him and start making fun of him, calling him Dumbo. Young Milly discovers something special about Dumbo that night, which just might turn the tide for the failing carnival.

I loved everything about this film. The story was perfectly designed. While Dumbo gave us a reason to care, the Farriers gave Dumbo a reason to care. Max also might have been a bit of a grump at first but he was ultimately likable. The true villain of the story was Michael Keaton's V.A. Vandervere. He was a cunning, silver-tongued conniver and Keaton perfected the role.

The actors were all outstanding. I've already talked about Keaton, but the true star of the film, aside from the adorable Dumbo of course, were the kids. Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins were front-and-center for the entire film, which they carried very well. Colin Farrell is always a joy to watch work, and this was no exception. He and the always perfect Eva Green had spectacular chemistry.

In conclusion, definitely go see this film. It'll make you laugh and cry both all the while warming your heart and helping you remember what's important in life. I give the film a perfect 4 out of 4.