Dumbo

“In 2019, a beloved tale will take you to new heights.”

What is it about Tim Burton? He has his signature style and loves the underdogs, the downtrodden freaks, the misfortunes hidden in the shadows of society. Disney’s Dumbo feels a lot like Batman Returns (also starring Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton) another film in which Burton wanted to explore the misfits and weirdos that society exiled because they were different (yep, that Batman movie had those themes, and yep it was as bad as you think it was). Now, while that movie had Danny DeVito’s Penguin rallying an army of militant penguins and me wishing someone would punch something, Dumbo is a much different vehicle for this story of outcasts. It makes more sense and honestly works really well! I am so happy to say this is some of the best writing, direction, and raw emotion that you will see in theatres all year. 

Throughout Burton’s career, he has worked towards this moment. To have this exact cast and this exact story to say what he wanted to say. He even found a way to amputate those common Burton problems of certain characters chewing scenery too much and others not enough, the script being bad, and the film’s style having more attention than the plot. A very good fix for one of those problems is simply having a silent protagonist who stylistically portrays what we need to know rather than say it. A throwback to the great scriptwriting advice of “Don’t say, Do!”.

Dumbo throws us into the Medici Brothers Circus, run by Max Medici (Danny DeVito; Batman Returns, L.A. Confidential) who bought a new elephant expecting a baby. At the same time, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrel; The Recruit, Phone Booth) returns from the war missing an arm to his two kids Milly and Joe (played by Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins in their first starring roles). The circus itself is failing and the baby elephant is born a runt with oversized ears much to the chagrin of Max. But, as luck would have it, one inhaled feather and a sneeze amazes the kids and eventually the audience within the circus as it gives Dumbo the ability to fly! It isn’t long before this captures the attention of V.A. Vandervere (Michael Keaton; Batman, Spider-Man: Homecoming), a tycoon in the entertainment industry, who wishes to partner with Medici for his flying elephant. Dumbo flies, but misses his mother (and if you don’t get a tear in your eye in a certain scene between the two, you are a cold, cold person). I won’t spoil anything as the Dumbo tale does differ midway through the film from the original Disney animated film. However, these changes are very welcomed. Don’t fear, the singing and dancing elephants are still present and a lot less uncomfortable. 

The main feel of Burton’s presence is within the film’s new section in the second act. The troupe is hired by a much bigger entertainment park, something not too unlike Disneyland strangely enough. All throughout the sets of the park you can really feel a muted version of Burton’s design. The second act also ups the ante slowly. We see the unwinding of the cruelty behind the machinations that make the entertainment park the greatest in the world. Not by any means is it a mystery that there exist some lucrative evils within the park, but for a PG film, the plot nicely unveils these evils. The grander theme of people being outsiders because of how they look or some strange disorder they may have is more prevalent and better explored – from Dumbo’s ears to Holt’s missing arm, to Holt’s daughter Milly. Milly is a keen observer, interested in science, and dreams of a bigger life. Holt would rather have her be a part of the circus she wants to be the next Marie Curie. These characters are ostracised for these things, even from each other. Throughout their adventure with Dumbo, they learn to let go of their prejudices and inhibitions. 

A very interesting character is Vandemires trophy wife Collette Marchant (Eva Green; The Dreamers, Casino Royale), who begins her part well within the films second act. She is a performing star doing her act as perfectly as possible, but soon sees a kindred spirit in Dumbo who becomes her partner in a stage act. The framework of the character is of the bird in the cage. The circus itself is the cage and a lot of imagery reminds you so both her and Dumbo wish to fly away [SPOILER] and eventually, during a daring escape plan, escape through a hole in the big top tent and both fly out to freedom [END OF SPOILERS]. The scene showed an artistry that was so heartwarming. It said very little, but the subtext told far more which is where Burton is strongest and the Disney formula is also!

Dumbo is definitely Disney’s strongest entry in quite some time. The only significant criticism I could have is Michael Keaton. Who hams it up a bit too much before steadying out toward the end.

The only real worry that I have concerning Disney’s forays into live action is how much creativity is allowed for the directors in these movies? Dumbo and Aladdin, by Tim Burton and Guy Ritchie respectively, are both great films and each retells the original stories perfectly, with modernizing in the necessary places, but they seem to lack the directors’ staples from their other films. This isn’t necessarily bad with how well both films turned out, but is alarming in how much creative control the directors have over the project, or is Disney micromanagement overreaching? It’s a safe bet to retell these tales, however, a complete overhaul could be welcome. 

Dumbo is movie gold and is a return to form for Burton, whose career I have personally chewed up and spat out. To say Dumbo is anything other than magical is a crime upon itself. The themes and messages of embracing what you are whether you dream of being a scientist, have oversized ears, or are missing an arm are spread throughout the film. Dumbo says stop hiding and fly in a message expertly delivered!

Rating:

Thomas C:

All in all, the CGI is great, the sets (or rather green screens) are breathtaking, and the story hits every emotional beat that it should. All this is heightened by the score and soundtrack! Dumbo is a definite must-see for families and Disney fans of all ages. The heartwarming tale will keep you on your seat and give you a fuzzy feeling inside.

Trailer:

Grab Yourself a Copy by Clicking Below and Support Our Site!