If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com I was initially wary when Disney started releasing films intended for theaters directly to their streaming service, especially after *Artemis Fowl* proved to be a disappointing experience. I wondered if *The One and Only Ivan* would suffer the same fate – being not quite good enough for a theatrical run. Fortunately, this film turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. I didn't anticipate becoming emotionally invested in such a familiar story, but it did happen. The plot follows a predictable structure where a new character arrives to shake up the established order, creating jealousy among those already in place. However, unlike typical narratives, the protagonist doesn’t try to regain his position through sabotage. Ivan develops a strong connection with Ruby (Brooklynn Prince) and is driven by a promise he made to Stella: to secure freedom for everyone. Mike White, who previously contributed to *The Emoji Movie*, managed to redeem himself. He gave each character a distinct personality or defining trait, even the minor ones like Henrietta (Chaka Khan), Murphy (Ron Funches), and Frankie (White himself). These characters left a lasting impression with their humorous moments—I never thought I’d laugh at a “why did the chicken cross the road?” joke again. Ivan, Ruby, Stella, and Bob (Danny DeVito) are truly exceptional. They're all incredibly endearing characters. Ivan’s backstory is heartbreaking, making his journey deeply compelling and emotionally resonant. His relationship with Ruby feels genuine and touching, as does his bond with Stella. While Bob provides much of the film’s humor, he also carries a poignant story of abandonment and loneliness. The film champions the idea that every animal deserves freedom and a loving home – a message I strongly believe in. What impressed me most was how immersive the experience felt, even while watching at home. I never thought about Sam Rockwell voicing Ivan; instead, I simply perceived him as Ivan, same with all the other actors. The animals look remarkably realistic, to the point where it's sometimes difficult to distinguish them from real creatures. While this isn’t a criticism of *The One and Only Ivan*, it highlights how powerful storytelling can be, overshadowing even impressive visuals and voice acting. I was so invested in seeing the animals freed that I barely noticed the technical aspects. Two other elements significantly enhanced the film's impact. Craig Armstrong’s score is incredibly moving, capable of eliciting both chills and tears; it’s now one of my favorite scores from 2020. Also, I strangely missed the “inspired by a true story” credit at the beginning. As is customary in these types of films, photos and clips of the real-life Ivan followed the end credits, which was an unexpectedly emotional moment for me. If I had to find something negative, it’s difficult to pinpoint any major flaws. My only minor wish would have been for more exploration of the supposed strong bond between Ivan and Mack (Bryan Cranston). While their interactions are touching, further development could have made them even more impactful. Overall, it's a fun, entertaining film that appeals to both adults and children. Although there’s no explicit violence or animal abuse depicted, some characters share accounts of traumatic past experiences which might be too intense for very young viewers. *The One and Only Ivan* is one of the most heartwarming surprises of 2020. Featuring a wonderful cast and an exceptional score, this adaptation of a true story follows a familiar formula but delivers an emotional experience that’s worth your time. Mike White crafted a heartfelt screenplay filled with memorable animal characters that are easy to connect with, even for those who aren't particularly fond of animals. It’s a beautiful story brimming with meaningful messages and tear-inducing moments, executed so skillfully that it became one of my most captivating home viewings in recent years. The visuals are flawless; the animals look incredible. If I needed to persuade friends or family to subscribe to Disney+, this is the film I'd show them. Rating: A-

Source on TMDB