Dumbo Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A traumatized war vet comes home to a circus, only to discover the elephant he’s supposed to care for can fly, leading to corporate greed and animal liberation.

🍿 Dumbo: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Circus in Decline

In 1919, Holt Farrier, a World War I veteran and former circus star, returns to the Medici Brothers’ Circus, now struggling financially. The circus owner, Max Medici, tasks Holt with caring for a pregnant elephant, Mrs. Jumbo, after selling the circus horses due to economic hardship. Holt’s children, Milly and Joe, help him adapt to his new role.

The Birth of Dumbo

Mrs. Jumbo gives birth to a calf with unusually large ears. Medici, concerned about the calf’s appearance, tries to hide the ears from the public. However, during the calf’s debut performance, the ears are revealed, and the crowd mockingly names him Dumbo. Distressed by her son’s mistreatment, Mrs. Jumbo becomes enraged, causing damage and accidentally killing an abusive handler.

Discovery of Flight

To prevent further issues, Medici sells Mrs. Jumbo. Milly and Joe comfort Dumbo and discover that he can fly by flapping his ears. They also realize that feathers act as a trigger for Dumbo’s flight. Dumbo’s ability leads to a resurgence in the circus’s popularity, attracting the attention of V. A. Vandevere, a wealthy entrepreneur.

Dreamland and Dark Secrets

Vandevere proposes a partnership with Medici, offering to employ the Medici Brothers’ Circus troupe at his extravagant amusement park, Dreamland. He pairs Dumbo with Colette Marchant, a French trapeze artist, for aerial performances. However, Dumbo’s initial performance is disastrous, and he discovers that his mother is being held captive in Dreamland. Vandevere’s true intentions become clear as he prioritizes profit over Dumbo’s well-being.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dumbo (N/A): A young elephant with oversized ears who discovers he can fly, becoming the star of a struggling circus.
• Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell): A World War I veteran and former circus star who becomes Dumbo’s caretaker and helps him embrace his unique ability.
• Max Medici (Danny DeVito): The owner of the Medici Brothers’ Circus, who initially sees Dumbo as a liability but later recognizes his value.
• V. A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton): An ambitious and ruthless entrepreneur who exploits Dumbo’s flying abilities for his own gain at Dreamland.
• Colette Marchant (Eva Green): A French trapeze artist who partners with Dumbo and eventually helps him escape Vandevere’s exploitation.
• Milly Farrier (Nico Parker): Holt’s daughter who is fascinated by science and becomes a friend and advocate for Dumbo.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• V. A. Vandevere: “Is that a monkey in your desk?” – Vandevere asks Max Medici, with suspicion, after hearing noises coming from a desk drawer.
• Max Medici: “Just for emergencies.” – Max Medici responds to Vandevere’s question, attempting to downplay the situation with a quirky answer.
• Milly Farrier: “Science is about solving problems.” – Milly says this when she is explaining to her father why she is so interested in science.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $170,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $114,766,307
• Worldwide Gross: $353,284,621

💥 Dumbo Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie hoping for a nostalgic trip, and while the visuals were stunning, I felt like something was missing. The original Dumbo had a simplicity that made it so heart-wrenching. This version adds a lot of extra storylines and characters. I really did enjoy the bond between Dumbo and his mother. It was such an adorable movie with the little elephant trying to reach his mom. Overall, a visually appealing film, but lacks some of the original’s emotional depth.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Tim Burton’s filmmaking style”
  • “Families looking for a visually impressive fantasy movie”
  • “Those interested in stories about overcoming adversity”
  • “Animal lovers (especially elephant enthusiasts)”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes of peril and animal cruelty”
  • “Thematic elements of loss and abandonment”
  • “Potentially frightening imagery for very young children”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Tim Burton’s ‘Dumbo’ takes flight with stunning visuals, yet the human characters overshadow the heartwarming story of the little elephant, leaving the emotional core somewhat muted. Still, the film offers a visually rich experience for families.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘Dumbo’ boasts impressive CGI and solid performances from DeVito and Keaton, it struggles to capture the magic of the original. The expanded plot feels convoluted, and the film lacks the emotional resonance of its animated predecessor.
• Empire: “Burton’s ‘Dumbo’ is a visually captivating spectacle with a poignant message about acceptance. Although the human characters sometimes steal the spotlight, the film delivers a charming and heartwarming tale for all ages.

Audience Reactions

The CGI Dumbo is incredibly cute and expressive.: Most viewers agree that Dumbo’s design and animation are highlights of the film.

Danny DeVito’s performance as Max Medici is a standout.: Many praise DeVito for bringing warmth and charisma to his role.

Visually stunning, but the story feels a bit convoluted.: A common sentiment is that the added plot lines detract from the core emotional story.

Overall Consensus: Tim Burton’s ‘Dumbo’ is a visually impressive but emotionally uneven remake that struggles to capture the magic and simplicity of the original.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Tim Burton incorporated visual references to the original 1941 animated film, including a ’41’ on Casey Jr.’s engine, paying homage to the original’s release year.”
• “To create a realistic portrayal of Dumbo, the visual effects team studied baby elephant movements and behaviors extensively.”
• “A swear jar was present on set, with Colin Farrell reportedly contributing the most due to his frequent use of colorful language.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dumbo?

Dumbo (2019) is available to stream on Disney+. You can also rent or purchase the film on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dumbo, you might like these similar films:

• The Greatest Showman (2017): Features a struggling circus overcoming obstacles with unique performers and a heartwarming message of acceptance and family.
• Water for Elephants (2011): Set in a traveling circus during the 1930s, focusing on the bond between humans and animals amidst the hardships and drama of circus life.
• Big Fish (2003): A Tim Burton film about a father who tells fantastic stories. Explores themes of imagination and believing in the impossible, like a flying elephant.

🛒 Dumbo Related Products

• Dumbo (2019) [Blu-ray]: Own Dumbo on Blu-ray and relive the magic at home. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content for a deeper look into the making of the film.
• Disney Dumbo Plush – Small – 11 Inch: A cuddly Dumbo plush toy that brings the magic of the movie to life. Perfect for kids and collectors alike, this plush captures Dumbo’s adorable features.
• Dumbo (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Enjoy the enchanting score and songs from the movie, composed by Danny Elfman. Download the soundtrack and immerse yourself in the world of Dumbo.
• Funko Pop! Disney: Dumbo – Dumbo with Feather: Add to your Funko Pop! collection with Dumbo holding his iconic feather. This vinyl figure is a must-have for any Dumbo fan.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dumbo features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Baby Mine” – performed by Sharon Rooney
• “Casey Junior” – performed by Danny DeVito
• “Pink Elephants on Parade” – performed by Instrumental

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Disney’s Dumbo (1941) Pitch Meeting

Ever wondered how the original Dumbo movie came to be? This pitch meeting parody imagines the hilarious discussion that led to its creation.

Everything Wrong With Dumbo 1941

Revisit the classic movie ‘Dumbo’ through a critical lens. This video has a unique way of pointing out the film’s flaws without taking away from its charm.

Pink Elephants – Dark Toons

Enter the whimsical world of ‘Pink Elephants on Parade.’ This video takes a deep dive into the iconic scene from Dumbo, uncovering its hidden meanings.

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