Selma Hazouri

I actually really liked this movie. First, it’s absolutely beautiful to look at. And the animation is seamlessly blended in with live action. But most importantly, there is a emotional center to the film all around that adorable flying baby elephant. It’s hard not to feel everything that he feels and I found myself tearing up several times. Maybe this was a feeling for lost youth but it got me and got me hard. And is there a more tender, sweet & sad moment than that of Dumbo & Jumbo connecting through her cage while “Baby Mine” is sung? Yes, there’s corn aplenty and Keaton’s character is a villain with a capital V. But there were lots of nods to the original and, strangely, Tim Burton was the perfect person for this.

I recently saw this movie in HBO. I turned to it on one of those “there’s nothing to watch” nights. It’s now become one on my guilty pleasures. It’s just a delight. The chemistry between Paul Rudd & Steve Coogan is an utter delight. Both actors are in unique roles for each of them. The scene of them reacting to the kid’s school assignment is hilarious. It’s a quirky little film that is a small treasure.

I absolutely LOVED this film. Having been raised in the South, I can certainly attest to the accuracy of how it & most of its citizens were depicted. All the details were perfection from the costuming, set design & language - north & south. But this film rests on the very capable shoulders of its two leads. Ali is the embodiment of a talented & conflicted man. And Mortesen is just a revelation. Who would have thought he had this comedic side of him. And the movie is surprisingly very funny. But the humor comes from truthful places. Absolutely wonderful screenplay as well as crafty direction. I see lots of films every year and this one, by far, is my favorite of the year. As an extremely critical cinephile, I found no fault here at all. EXCELLENT!