DUMBO Review

In anticipation for the new DUMBO movie, my family and I rewatched the classic 1941 animation this week. It was exactly how I remembered it, a little sad but sweet.

The new DUMBO movie expands on the classic story with the same theme while adding a bit more storyline, surprises and magic. We saw an advance screening of DUMBO this week and I’d love to share with you a few of my thoughts.

The movie starts off with a struggling circus owned by Max Medici (Danny DeVito). He recently purchased an elephant who is pregnant hoping the new baby would draw a crowd. Unfortunately, Dumbo is born with oversized ears, and instead of embracing his uniquness, he shuns him. During a skirmish with the crowd, Dumbo’s mom goes wild protecting her son and is sent away.

Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) are charged to care for the newborn and they fall in love with him. The kids empathize with Dumbo’s pain of losing his mom as they too lost their mom.

Once the kids find out that Dumbo can fly, it doesn’t take long for others to find out as well. Before too long, the once struggling circus has sold-out crowds! Dumbo catches the interest of wealthy New York amusement park impresario V. A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) who makes a deal with Max Medici to take his entire troupe to Dreamland to perform. Is Dreamland better? Check out the movie to see.

This movie is visually stunning and the CGI Dumbo is amazing! Seriously, he looks REAL! The circus scenes are filled with incredible detail are are rich with colors. You’ll love that!

Is Dumbo too sad for kids?

There are a few sad scenes, but also many beautiful ones, as well.  None of my boys were frightened or sad about the movie but it will definitely depend on your child. As we were walking out, I heard some saying that the movie made them and their child cry.  I’d take caution with young children who are super sensitive, but all in all, it’s a movie most will LOVE!

DUMBO is playing in theaters everywhere!