Tuesday, April 09, 2019

A Brave, Flying Elephant: Review of 2019's Dumbo


Movie: Dumbo (2019)
Director: Tim Burton
Writers: Ehren Kruger (screenplay)  & Harold Pearl, Helen Aberson (novel)
Release Date (Malaysia): 28 March 2019
Genre: Adventure / Family / Fantasy
Synopsis: Struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists a former star and his two children to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When the family discovers that the animal can fly, it soon becomes the main attraction -- bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down circus. The elephant's magical ability also draws the attention of V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture.

My rating: 4.9/5 stars (★)

Dumbo has always been one of my favourite Disney classic tales, so when it was announced that the flying elephant will have his film being remade into a live-action movie, I knew that I must go watch it. When none of my friends or family were able to make time for me, I decided to just watch Dumbo alone (a wise choice, which I should have done more). I admit that I have forgotten most of the parts in Dumbo (1941), but one thing that I'm sure of is that Dumbo (2019) definitely led to a new ending unlike the original film.

Dumbo (2019) shows the story of a newborn elephant in a circus, which was later put under the care of a man who returned home from the war, along with his daughter and son. The elephant was separated from his mother, and his oversized ears earned him the name Dumbo. Mocked and made fun of, Dumbo soon earned his "fame" when humans learned that he can fly. But fame does not equal to freedom, and Dumbo accompanied with those that truly love him struggles to find the real freedom.

Dumbo is absolutely a dear little elephant, and I love that Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) were there by his side. Unlike the original film, where Dumbo's companion is a talking mouse named Timothy (there was a cameo of a cage of mice, and one of them resembles Timothy, so Timothy-lovers, we're good), it was Milly and Joe who discovered that Dumbo could fly. Many other parts like Dumbo earning his fame and was made to perform in a bigger circus were never in the original film, but it made the new version of Dumbo better, in my opinion.

The part that struck me the hardest was when Dumbo was separated from his mother; one of the scenes were just like in the original film, and I was glad I went to watch the movie alone because I could not stop crying. Circus is just another way of promoting animal cruelty, and it pained me a lot whenever animals were forced to become human's source of entertainment.

Overall, Disney made a wonderful job in recreating the classic Dumbo—truthfully, the changes they made and the new ending was so much better! It also became a film about family and friendship, and I appreciate it with my whole heart.

Extra: If you have watched Dumbo (or don't mind spoilers), go and read this article for the differences between Dumbo (1941) with Dumbo (2019) ✨

Till next time ♡ Love, Aishah Humaira'

2 comments

  1. I always thought the cartoon was weird and disturbing ;D But I wouldn't mind giving the movie a watch ;D

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    1. Oh why do you think it's weird and disturbing?

      My childhood was filled with talking animals so I loved Dumbo just as it is hahah
      The live action movie is definitely better in my opinion :)

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