Film Review: Dumbo Soars With Disney Magic

Dumbo is a must-see for kids. The live action film of the cartooned, Disney classic made adults cry while mesmerizing their kids. Not since E.T. did I truly care so much about the soul and safety of an on-screen creature. Thus, Tim Burton has created a magnificent work in heart and message. 

From the beginning, Dumbo is set up as a “mother and child” tale. Nico Parker’s Milly Farrier and Finley Hobbins’ Joe Farrier have lost their mom like, Dumbo. Thus, these three “kids” gravitate towards each other in trying to learn what it is to “fly” when you have lost your parent so young. Crying yet? Parker and Hobbins are excellent, and make you breathe sighs of relief that Dumbo has smart people to protect him because this film reminds you that an animal can be kinder than a person.

One of the things I love about Disney’s live-action Dumbo is that it is a classic “good guys vs. bad guys.” In some ways, it is a reminder that bad people do exist, and they do NOT want anyone to be happy, especially if it means they do not get money. Thus, characters like Michael Keaton’s V. A. Vandevere make you clench your fist at their inability to hold love, care, and family as more important or, at least, equal to money. From the beginning, most of the circus LOVES Dumbo, and become protective of the baby elephant against the human beings that try to hurt him because of his big ears. Yet, Colin Farrell’s Holt Farrier, and how others treat him, is proof that it is not only animals people disregard; it is also those with disabilities.

Returning from war with one arm, Holt is often gawked at or treated as if he is a walking “can’t.” He is eager to work, innovate, and prove himself, but Danny Devito’s sweet, but manipulated Max Medici acts as if he cannot do anything because, now, he has to do them differently. Too many times are people treated distantly because of their difference, and the handicap are diminished as less or unambitious because their mind or bodies, do not look or work the same as “normal people.” Thus, Holt, like Dumbo, becomes central in proving that your difference is not an incapacity but, instead, your most unique path. Holt saves the day with one arm, and Dumbo CAN FLY because of his huge ears. 

Visually, Dumbo is stunning and the soundtrack feels like magic and childhood nostalgia decided to create music. The film is a spectacle of color and loveliness; giving you characters that encourage you to do the right thing even when so much wrong has been done unto you. Every circus actor is made fun of and called a “low-rent freak” by people like Vandavere, but yet you fall in love with their dignity and kindness. They prove grace is not born from the fashion you wear but the spirit you carry. As you watch everyone try to help Dumbo reunite with his mom, Jumbo, the film becomes a love letter to animals and respecting the sanctity of their lives/ habitat. 

I was, genuinely, surprised how much this version of Dumbo spoke up for animal rights and care. This movie exemplifies that animals may not be “human” in how they express feelings but they are “human” or “living” because they have emotions. Dumbo HAS to win an Oscar for special effects because, on the character alone, you are enthralled by his real emotionality. If the eyes are a window to the soul, then Dumbo has so much spirit to see. He is so loving and present, and truly feels like a baby missing his mama. Within two minutes of the film I found myself saying, “PROTECT DUMBO AT ALL COSTS!” (lol) He is such a SWEET animal that, again, FEELS. Thus, you wonder why anyone would want to see him feel bad. Once again, Dumbo shows there are good people and bad people or good animals and bad animals. Ultimately, there is just good and bad, and you decide which one you fly towards. Dumbo comes out in theaters on March 29, and seeing how all those kids applauded and watched that elephant fly makes the film a worthy, joyful event.