By Shane Conto
In a time where it seems like a new live-action remake of a Disney classic is coming out everything month, a reimagined Dumbodirected by Tim Burton seemed like an intriguing idea. The film expands upon the story of a flying elephant with huge ears by adding a grieving family, a circus and its aging proprietor, a slimy entertainer, and plenty more. With a story that is filled to the gills, there is one important question that begs for an answer. Did Tim Burton balance it all and create some magic on screen? Overall, Dumbo was a success!
To start, this film relied quite a bit on the direction of Tim Burton. The film was well paced despite the story feeling stretched too far at certain points. The Burton flair is definitely there in doses and his penchant for whimsical and childish wonder is a perfect fit for the story. The magic wasn’t there for the whole film but when it arrived, it hit like a sledgehammer. The scenes focusing on the “big top” of the circus really delivered on the wonder including a great ode to “Pink Elephants on Parade”. Despite few surprises on the story end of things, Burton does deliver with surprises in his presentation and a few ones that work well in the casting department.
Some of the cracks that appear in the film are on the writing end (which you probably gathered at this point). Ehren Kruger’s screenplay includes many subplots which does not allow for many of them to feel fully realized including a romantic subplot that felt very forced. There were even more characters filling the screen with the majority feeling underdeveloped. A villainous Michael Keaton has his quirks but nothing past his greed. Eva Green is a bit distracting with her over-the-top accent which is basically the extent of her characterization. Colin Farrell plays a loving and grieving father who deals with the loss of his arm and his wife. Farrell is a great actor but feels a bit wooden at parts. Nico Parker plays our main human character and has plenty of time to shine but it feels like her acting is quite flat. Danny DeVito steals the show with his great charisma and energy. He carries some of the most endearing and magical scenes in the film.
The cinematography of Ben Davis is one of the biggest standout of the film. There is a great use of color throughout as well as some inspired shots and camera work. One particular shot is so striking and it is just a reflection in the eye of a CGI elephant. Now that is an incredible feat. The CGI in the film is overall incredible as the work that goes into Dumbo is top notch. Some green screens look a bit unconvincing as does the fur on some animals but it does not make enough of an impact to take away from the wonder. Danny Elfman creates a charming score that is emotive and wondrous. But would you really expect anything else from a collaboration of Burton and Elfman?
Saving the best for last…the titular elephant steals the show. The effects are awe inspiring and so is the level of charm that this artificial animal creates. The beautiful eyes suck you in and the movements and expressions of Dumbo are so sweet and endearing. I wish we could have spent even more screen time with him. Dumbo is a well-made and enjoyable remake that is worth the viewing with all of the family. In the immortal words of Michael Buffer, “Let’s get ready to Dumbo!”
Grade: B