Is it really almost 80 years since Disney’s Dumbo first hit cinema screens! It may be hard to believe that it’s been so long since the cute little pachyderm made audience’s hearts melt has his baby blue eyes looked out from behind those big ears back in 1941.
Some time back when the news came out that movie master, Tim Burton, was to bring the elephant to life on the big screen in another of Disney’s live-action re-incarnations, people were split down the middle with some doubting that the film would still have that cute factor and that it wouldn’t work and others screaming with excitement and anticipation of one of Disney’s much loved animal characters.
I have to say that seeing the teaser trailers and posters that were released for Dumbo did have me torn on how the film would work and if Tim Burton would be bringing is slightly darker feel to the movie.
As a treat for my niece’s birthday, we headed over to Cineworld in
This new re-telling of Dumbo (as you can’t really say it is a remake) is different to the 1941 animated classic, yes the movie does have that Tim Burton feel, but the story is fleshed out more than just an Elephant that can fly, there are some lovey touches that bring elements in from the original movie, such as the feather that helps Dumbo fly, the lovely performed musical piece “Baby Mine” and of course how could you have Dumbo with out those pink elephants on parade, although I have to say that these pink elephants are more of a show piece with the use of bubble blowers, than little Dumbo getting tipsy!
Eva Green is always a joy to watch and her performance as Colette Marchant, the high-wire performer that helps Dumbo perform his flying is no exception. Then there is Michael Keaton, I’ve lost count how many movies he’s done with Tim Burton now, but Burton certainly seems to bring out that crazed eyed look that we have all come to love from Keaton.
Let’s also not forget the children that come to the help of Dumbo, Nico Parker who plays Farrell’s daughter and Finley Hobbins who plays his son, bother work wonderfully together.
One thing that you always have to have with a Burton movie is a Danny Elfman soundtrack and thankfully, this is another movie where the two have worked together to bring us a delightful soundtrack that works so well in the happy and sad moments of the movie, still with that Burton/Elfman fell.
As I mentioned earlier, I saw the movie in RealD 3D, I always like to see a movie in 3D and although many have got a little tired of 3D and go for the 2D (which I personally think is a shame), the 3D in Dumbo works very well, the scenes with Dumbo flying around the circus ring certainly made you feel like you were there flying around as well, there was some of those “point a stick at the audience” moments, but this time around I forgive Burton for having Keaton do those.
For me, Dumbo is a fun movie, I loved being able to spend time with my niece and seeing the big smile on her face as Tim Burton brought another fun movie, yes it’s getting those mixed reviews and as I always say, we all have our own opinions.
Dumbo gets the live-action treatment and in 3D
Movie title: Dumbo
Movie description: A young elephant, whose oversized ears enable him to fly, helps save a struggling circus, but when the circus plans a new venture, Dumbo and his friends discover dark secrets beneath its shiny veneer.
Date published: April 5, 2019
Director(s): Tim Burton
Actor(s): Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito , Eva Green
Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
