Disney's 'dumbo' remake hailed for 'surprising pro-animal rights agenda'

Oli Gross14th March 201921st January 2020News

The remake of Dumbo has a ‘blessedly surprising pro-animal rights agenda’, according to one film critic who was given an advanced viewing of the highly anticipated movie.

Disney’s remake does not premiere until March 29, but many film critics have been given a sneak-peak.

Original

The original movie, released in 1941, features a young circus elephant who is flaunted by the show for having comically huge ears.

When a group of boys taunt the elephant, Dumbo’s mother tries to defend her child and is then isolated and imprisoned by circus bosses as punishment.

Anyone who’s seen the original couldn’t possibly forget the tear-jerking scene in which the pair are reunited through metal bars.

Following the preview of the remake, which is directed by Tim Burton, Disney sent the movie to a selection of critics and journalists to get the public excited for the release.

‘Pro-animal rights’

Hordes of journalists have since taken to social media to give their view. Tomatometer approved critic Courtney Howard was impressed by the film’s message.

She tweeted: “#Dumbo has a blessedly surprising pro-animal rights agenda wrapped in a subtle, rebellious meta-commentary on a band of outsiders shaking up a corporate establishment. Its aesthetic design is dazzling, gorgeous & meticulous. The CG elephant is absolutely adorable.”

#Dumbo has a blessedly surprising pro-animal rights agenda wrapped in a subtle, rebellious meta-commentary on a band of outsiders shaking up a corporate establishment. Its aesthetic design is dazzling, gorgeous & meticulous. The CG elephant is absolutely adorable. pic.twitter.com/hN0gjHUiv4
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) March 12, 2019

The remake of Dumbo has a star-studded cast, including Danny DeVito as circus owner Max Medici, who hires former star Holt Farrier, played by Colin Farrel, while Michael Keaton plays persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere.

Overall, reaction from critics was mixed. Some critics suggested the relationships between the human characters in the movie were ‘under cooked’.

However, most agreed it is visually a masterpiece, the animated Dumbo is endearing and lovable, while many praised the performances of the movie’s leading roles.

Watched #Dumbo last week. Despite some great visuals, a very fun Michael Keaton performance, and an adorable baby pachyderm, the movie never really gets you caring as much about what's going on as the original. The human stories feel undercooked and it really rains on the parade.
— Tom Jorgensen (@Tom_Jorgensen) March 12, 2019

DUMBO stole my heart. I'm totally cool with it. Congrats to everyone behind this beautiful, surprising & visually mindblowing film. pic.twitter.com/cekRIzTOcc
— Julia Hart (@juliahartowitz) March 12, 2019

Our reporter @minkus saw #Dumbo. “It’s absolutely wonderful – a beautiful story, quite different than the original, that won’t leave a dry eye in the theater. The cast is kismet together on screen. It’s one of Tim Burton’s best in a long time.” Full review on the 26th. pic.twitter.com/1VvhDU9dbl
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) March 12, 2019

I enjoyed #Dumbo. Fantastic art/production design, a surprising/necessary pro-animal rights message. One of the best live action films Burton has directed in years. Unlike most Disney adaptations, its in the unique position to be 35% an adaptation and 65% a sequel, which is cool. pic.twitter.com/Yqzbl7uY3Q
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) March 12, 2019

I really enjoyed #Dumbo⁠ ⁠. It’s a beautiful and whimsical movie, starring a CGI elephant with so much heart. It’s also a rather simple tale, so don’t expect tons of character septh. But I still had a blast with the ride it took me on and it’s the best Burton’s been in years. pic.twitter.com/tKu6eHfKlM
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) March 12, 2019

The character Dumbo is an irresistible cannonball of tenderness. Every time he flies it lifts your spirit! Danny DeVito steals the show with a hilarious performance. Formulaic and melodramatic, but a better film than the Disney live-action adaptations from last year.
— Nestor Cine (@NestorCine) March 12, 2019

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can say that #Dumbo is a genuinely heartwarming, entertaining movie that is definitely worth your time. The cast is enjoyable but the VFX Dumbo is so damn expressive that he steals the show everytime he's onscreen.
— Nick Kazden (@ricknazden) March 12, 2019

Just got out of the world premiere of @Dumbo , and WOW WOW WOW! Tim Burton at its finest! It may be my fave live action remake yet! #dumbo #dumbopremiere pic.twitter.com/l2AL0LikQu
— Jessica McDonald (@healthy_mouse) March 12, 2019

#Dumbo the character is quite cute. But unfortunately, though it looks great, the movie lacks the sincerity and heart that made the animated original a classic. Too manufactured, and it’s super talented cast is a bit wasted on paper thin characters and relationships. -Mike M
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) March 12, 2019

There’s a scene in DUMBO where Michael Buffer shows up to introduce Dumbo and yells, “LET’S GET READY FOR DUMBOOOOOOO.”
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) March 12, 2019

#DUMBO soars. My favorite live-action Disney remake yet! From the gorgeous blend of goth and whimsy to the sequence in which Dumbo replaces his trunk with a 32 inch machete and has an affair with a bored housewife, the Tim Burton we know and love is FINALLY back in full force?❤️
— ben mekler (@benmekler) March 12, 2019

Read: Disney’s theme parks have gone vegan

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Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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