Disney has continued its pattern of live-action remakes of its animated films with “Dumbo.” The movie follows the same basic story as the 1941 classic, centering on a baby elephant born into a traveling circus who possesses unusually large ears. Like in the original film, he is separated from his mother and soon becomes an attraction when it’s discovered that his big ears allow him to fly. The new version introduces Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell), who returns home injured from WWI and must raise his two children alone after the death of his wife. Adding to his difficulties, Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) has sold the horses Holt used in his act to keep the struggling circus afloat. Things take a turn for the better when wealthy industrialist V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) offers to make Max a partner and bring him and his troupe to his entertainment park, with Dumbo as the main attraction. It’s at this point that the film veers significantly off course, becoming very straightforward in its storytelling and featuring underdeveloped characters and an emphasis on special effects over plot. Director Tim Burton has once again created a movie filled with stunning visuals; his depiction of the entertainment park and circus is remarkable. However, as often happens with Burton’s films, the visuals take precedence, while character development and story are given short shrift. The same holds true here, as we learn little about what motivates the characters, and the villains act in a stereotypical manner without any explanation for their actions; they seem to be evil simply for the sake of it. The other characters also lack depth, leaving viewers with few reasons to care about them. There’s a pleasant subplot involving Eva Green, but it remains incomplete, and the film's central character almost becomes an afterthought in the final act so that more scenes showcasing the lavish park visuals can be included. The movie might occasionally feel too dark and intense for younger viewers, and those familiar with the original may struggle to accept this version of the story. It’s entertaining at times but had the potential to be much better. 3 stars out of 5. In 1941 Walt Disney Pictures presented audiences worldwide the fourth animated Disney feature film Dumbo. Seventy-eight years later, Disney has partnered with Tim Burton to offer new generations a fresh, live-action take on the classic story. After returning home and injured from the war, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) reunites with his children and his beloved job and home. His home is a traveling circus, but his act has been discontinued due to his injury. Max Medici (Danny DeVito), the owner of the circus, asks him to move on and instead care for a newborn elephant, hoping that the young animal will help revive the once-thriving but now struggling circus. The unusual pachyderm, nicknamed Dumbo, with extraordinarily large ears, becomes the laughingstock of the circus until Holt’s children discover his special ability: he can fly, attracting attention from all around. As a longtime fan of Tim Burton's work, I was thrilled to hear that he would direct the live-action version of this beloved film. A wonderful cast was assembled, and honestly, I don’t think anyone else could have played those roles as well as Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, and Alan Arkin. They brought a sense of magic and genuine emotion to each character, adding depth and heart to the movie. Every time I hear the first notes from Danny Elfman's music, I get goosebumps. I was delighted to hear that familiar music in this film as well; it added a touch of magic and intrigue that Dumbo deserved. The colors were beautiful and vibrant but still had a muted contrast compared to what we’re used to. Someone asked me if the movie made me cry, and the answer is yes—with both sad and happy tears. A film that encapsulates so many emotions in just two hours and leaves you with a joyful heart is exactly what I look for. That's what a film should do: tug at your heartstrings while also providing happiness and laughter. Well done, Mr. Burton! I recommend this film to fans old and new because you won’t be disappointed. 5 out of 5!

Source on TMDB