Well hello, movie-goers! This week I had the pleasure of attending the new Dumbo movie screening. I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to dance around any spoilers so you can enjoy the movie when you see it in theaters this weekend. 😉
The Dumbo 2019 Movie is Unique… Yet Still the Same
I know, I know. What a vague thing to say, right? But it’s true. Many of the things that we remember about the original movie are still there. The story revolves around a baby elephant who is separated from his mommy. Thanks to his big ears and a magic feather, he has an almost magical ability to fly. The story takes place in a circus. You’ll see many other nods to the 1942 film if you’re paying attention. But this time Disney takes the story in a different direction.
Some 2019 Dumbo Easter Eggs: See if you can find Mr. stork, a not-so-boozy bubble bath, The “Casey Junior” song, the ear-wagging punk who mocks Dumbo, and pink elephants!
A Different Point of View
In the original film, the story unfolds through the interactions of a talking mouse and silent baby elephant. But you can’t really have a talking mouse in a live action movie, can you? Enter a science-enthusiast preteen girl and her spunky little brother. The children, Milly and Joe Farrier, befriend Dumbo and guide him in perfecting his flying abilities. Meanwhile their father, back from the war, is the adult who shamelessly stands up for the baby elephant’s best interests. We are so glad to see a strong father figure in a family movie! As Holt Farrier, Colin Farrell is devoted to both his children and animals. Could he be any more irresistible?
Grand Circus Entertainment
Everything that comes to mind when we think about the circus is wonderfully portrayed in the Dumbo 2019 movie. Big striped tent? Check. Lots of animals? Check. Bright, flashy costumes? Check. But unlike in the animated version, this time there is an extra special performer in the center ring. Eva Green graces the stage as the beautiful Collette, a spectacular aerial artist. At first I wasn’t sure if she was going to be a good guy or a bad guy. But by the end of the movie she had my heart.
Chasing Big Dreams
True to the style of many Disney movies, the characters in the 2019 Dumbo movie are spurred on by their biggest dreams. Baby Dumbo dreams of finding his mother. Young Milly Farrier dreams of becoming a scientist. Holt Farrier dreams of riding stallions like he did in the pre-war days. Will they all reach their goals? You’ll have to see the movie to find out.
What if I haven’t seen the original movie?
While it is a classic, you don’t have to have seen the original Dumbo movie to enjoy everything about this one. The story is complete as it is! There isn’t a bit of this movie that requires an understanding of the first one. However, if you have seen the animated movie from the 1940’s, you will definitely notice some of the familiar characters and scenes.
When I first heard the Disney 2019 movie lineup I couldn’t believe that Dumbo was coming back. I’ll be honest, when I first heard about the live-action remake of the classic movie, I was a bit hesitant about seeing it. However, Director Tim Burton gave us another movie full of excitement and deep emotions. The new Dumbo movie is so heartwarming, and sends many positive messages about what it is to be a true family, about animal rights, and about equality. I can’t wait to see it again.
Dumbo (2019)
Release Date: Friday, March 29, 2019
Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Mom Goes to the Movies Recommends this movie for kids 7 and up due to exciting action and strong emotional scenes.
Check out these Free Dumbo Movie Printables and Activities
Click on an image to be taken to the printable pdf file!
Have you seen the new Dumbo movie yet? What was your favorite part?