Dumbo (Tim Burton)

[Grouchy]

http://www.impawards.com/2019/posters/dumbo_ver18_xlg.jpg

[Grouchy]

This is one of the few Disney remakes that actually make sense, since it changes the focus from Dumbo himself to the circus people and actually offers an interpretation of the story rather than rehashing the plot beats with CGI. That being said, the cast and Burton's direction are a lot better than the screenplay but it somehow works. Not a great movie, but Michael Keaton as a callous millionaire playing off disgruntled circus owner Danny DeVito in a Burton flick can't be less than entertaining. And Eva Green is great and as alluring as always. It's good for Burton's recent standards.

By the way, Joseph Gatt who plays Keaton's henchman (and also played the warg Thenn in Game of Thrones) looks remarkably like post-accident Christopher Reeve.

[Dukefrukem]

Agreed.

They play out most of the original story in the first 36 minutes with the original ended with the firehouse stunt. From there it's all new material which I liked. I do question these live action remakes going back and forth with not making the animals talk. They basically can understand humans, but for some reason never show them speaking. Lion King they speak. 101 Dalmatians they don't. Lady and the Tramp they speak. Dumbo they don't.

Burton's style doesn't really show until they get to Dreamland. And further when they reveal Nightmare Island. Loved all the designs of the attractions and animals. Overall this was decent, and much better than Burton's more recent works.