General Spoiler Warnings Apply!
The live action story of Dumbo hits theaters on Friday, March 29th but how does it compare to the original live animated film from 1941?
2019’s Dumbo is a story about a baby elephant, whose oversized ears enable him to fly and help save a struggling circus. The film was directed by Tim Burton (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands) and stars Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, and Danny DeVito.
The live-action film movie is very clever in the way it gives a nod to the original film while still making it feel real and relate-able. There are no talking animals in the film but familiar favorites like the stork arriving to deliver the baby do make appearances.
Dumbo is just as loveable as he is in the animated film. He is one of the few animals who does not talk in the animated film making it much easier to translate him into live action. And yes, he still has his magic feather.
In the animated feature, we are taken through the movie through the eyes of the circus animals like Dumbo’s friend Timothy Q. Mouse. Although Timothy Q. Mouse does make subtle appearances in the live action, the audience is taken through the film by The Farrier Family. Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his family work for the circus that Dumbo and his mother have been sold to. They are in charge of Dumbo and Mrs. Jumbo. It is their relationship with Dumbo and with each other, that set the pace for the movie.
Danny DeVito plays circus owner Max Medici. He is absolutely concerned with keeping his circus and his troop of performers and workers afloat. Although we seem him be a little more ruthless in the animated film, he is portrayed as a businessman who has to make hard decisions for the circus and they aren’t always the best decisions for Dumbo!
Some of the most visually impressive moments of the live action movie are the way they are able to bring to life iconic scenes such as ”Elephants on Parade”. The music and the circus performances allow for the scenes that we loved in the animated film to be translated directly into the live action film. Some are subtle and some are very clear. What is most clear is the very enchanting way the fantasy of the circus can be. The fun part is picking out all the Easter eggs and special cameos.
In the original animated film, the story ends when Dumbo’s flying saves the circus and he is reunited with his mother. In the new live-action film it doesn’t end there. When the circus plans a new venture, Dumbo and his friends discover dark secrets beneath its shiny veneer. You journey with Dumbo into is a magical circus that enchants all who enter. We are introduced to new characters such as Dreamland Owner and V. A. Vandevere (Micheal Keaton) and star acrobat Colette Marchant (Eva Green). What follows is a new and original action-packed adventure that follows is breathtaking and fun! Where Dumbo truly shines as the hero of the story, in true Disney fashion, and does eventually save his mother.
