Dumbo (2019) review

Writing:

Ehren Kruger's (Transformers 3&4) script is unfortunately sickly sweet in places and it's hard to get invested emotionally with the main human characters plus the story is pretty predictable even if you haven't seen the original, however it is not a straight shot for shot remake which I feel is an admirable quality. 3.5/5

Cinematography:

Tim Burton's DP Ben Davis (Captain Marvel) manages to match the at times impressive visuals particularly in the villains theme park Dreamland with some great camera shots especially in the circus scenes despite the film feeling artificial. 4/5

Soundtrack:

Tim Burton's partner in crime Danny Elfman returns providing his unique and entertaining soundtrack and there's a gorgeous Arcade Fire song that plays on the end credits. 4.5/5

Editing:

No surprises or anything particularly special here pretty much your standard point A to point B movie, could have done with some flashbacks or even think pink elephants parade. 3/5

Directing:

There is no denying Tim Burton's wonderfully eccentric visual flair and it's on in full force here but even that can't stop this film from at times feel like it's meandering however there is still tonnes of charm but that comes from the adorable titular character. 4/5

Writing:

Considering the immense talents of the A-list cast your think they'd deliver excellent performances from Colin Farrell's bland father to Danny DeVito channeling his salesman performance from Matilda and Eva Green well playing Eva Green, thankfully Michael Keaton's moustache twirlingly Hugh Grant in Paddington 2 meets Colin Firth in Mary Poppins returns villain is rather enjoyably camp and the two children are just bad.4/5

Overall:

There's no denying Tim Burton's visual flair and Michael Keaton is wonderfully camp as the villain but Dumbo does lack the emotional punch of the iconic original but that maybe because the film is told by a human perspective. I just wishing had more to say about the movie. 7/10