How does one expand a brief, beloved short story into a full-length film while still capturing its core meaning? "Ferdinand" attempts to answer that question with appealing visuals alongside some choices regarding the narrative that might not appeal to everyone. If you’ve ever felt like you didn't belong or were pressured to conform, this story could resonate with you. However, does the movie truly live up to the original message's significance? Prepare for a look at an animated film that manages to be entertaining and emotionally touching, but also falters due to its desire to please all audiences. Visually, the film showcases Carlos Saldanha’s distinctive and colorful style. The rural Spanish landscapes are depicted with warm colors that contrast beautifully with the bright red of Ferdinand's flowers. The character designs are rounded and friendly, seemingly perfect for children. Still, I felt the animation was a bit too cautious; when compared to Pixar’s more realistic textures or innovative styles seen in films like *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*, "Ferdinand" feels somewhat conventional—pleasant but not particularly unique. The film truly excels with its central character. Casting John Cena (for the voice role) was a brilliant move. The humor of having a large professional wrestler voicing a massive bull who dislikes fighting adds an amusing layer to the story. Cena brings a genuine sense of vulnerability and gentleness that makes you want Ferdinand to succeed from the beginning. It’s his journey—trying to remain true to his gentle nature in a world demanding aggression—that anchors the movie and prevents it from spiraling out of control. The challenge lies in expanding such a short children's story into a nearly two-hour film. The studio’s solution—developing Ferdinand's backstory and introducing additional storylines—is uneven. The initial part works well, establishing Ferdinand's childhood and fostering empathy. However, the middle section definitely drags. The pacing slows considerably, and the plot seems to repeat itself, creating minor conflicts that don't contribute to the central story just to justify a feature-length runtime. While Ferdinand is a strength, the added supporting characters are where the film struggles most. Characters like Lupe the goat (voiced by Kate McKinnon in a way that feels exhausting) and the trio of hedgehogs divide opinions. For me, they cross the line from charming to simply annoying. It’s clear they were likely conceived in a corporate marketing meeting intended to sell plush toys and spark spin-offs; they take up valuable screen time that should have been dedicated entirely to Ferdinand's internal struggles. The movie feels like it took the easiest route when considering its structure. The script relies heavily on the familiar "misfit proves their worth" trope. In an attempt to modernize the story, the film uses repetitive slapstick humor and jokes that pull you out of the moment. A particularly low point is the lengthy “dance battle” between the bulls and the German horses; it’s awkward, dated, and a forced effort by the studio to create a viral sensation. Another mediocre and problematic aspect of the movie is its handling of the serious themes—bullfighting and slaughterhouses—that ground the story. There's an obvious tonal clash. When the characters end up at the slaughterhouse (referred to as the "meat factory"), the film suddenly becomes very dark—potentially frightening for younger viewers—creating a tense atmosphere. Conversely, the actual brutality of bullfighting in the arena feels too sanitized. This inability to fully embrace the seriousness of the message or soften it completely leaves the movie feeling hesitant and lacking the emotional depth one would expect from more mature scripts. Overall, "Ferdinand" is an average experience that shines when delivering a deeply valuable message about self-acceptance, respecting differences, and non-violence. However, it undermines itself with predictable commercial elements, tiresome side characters, and inconsistent humor. Though it lacks the sophistication and boldness of today's animated masterpieces, the undeniable sweetness and good intentions of its main character manage to hold everything together. It’s a flawed piece of entertainment, but it has a big heart. Because of that, I recommend watching it with an open mind and deciding for yourself: explore Ferdinand's flowery pastures and see if the charm of this timeless message outweighs the creative missteps in the arena.

Source on TMDB