Disney’s adaptation of Kate DiCamillo's 2013 Newbery Medal-winning book “Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures,” now called “Flora & Ulysses,” is a disappointing film that probably won't impress kids with discerning tastes. There’s a charming young actress (Matilda Lawler), a fuzzy squirrel brought to life through uneven CGI, and a story attempting to impart some worthwhile lessons about life, but the hastily assembled action sequences, silly physical comedy, and uninspired storytelling result in a family movie that lacks any real spark. Flora (Lawler), who enjoys comic books and tends toward pessimism, is struggling with her parents’ recent separation (played by Alyson Hannigan and Ben Schwartz). A ten-year-old girl rescues a squirrel after it gets caught in a vacuum cleaner. Flora gives her rescued companion the name Ulysses when she realizes he has superhero abilities, including the ability to write poetry. Together they embark on several adventures while evading an animal control officer (Danny Pudi) who intends to capture and eliminate the potentially diseased squirrel. The movie feels like an older-style Disney production, delivering a straightforward message that relies heavily on jokes aimed at parents. While there’s a decent exploration of what it means to be a “hero,” along with some familiar sentiments about family values, these positive aspects feel overshadowed by the lackluster action sequences (and absurd slow motion) which keep the film from being much better than a low-budget television movie. Naturally, everything works out in the end; Ulysses assists Flora in mending the fractured pieces of her life. The young girl hopes her parents will reconcile and that her mother can overcome her creative block. She also desires for people to treat animals with more kindness, and thankfully, her new squirrel friend persuades most of them that he’s worth protecting. If you or your children are particularly fond of squirrels, are feeling restless, and don't require much stimulation, “Flora and Ulysses” might be acceptable for a family movie night. The film begins poorly, and despite some slight improvement around the middle point, it never manages to rise above being merely average.

Source on TMDB