“Believe me, they do.”

From Dumbo.

When Holt (Colin Farrell) returns from war an injured hero, he’s glad to be back with his children, Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins), but he’s also saddened by the recent death of his wife and the decline of the circus they call home.  Ringmaster Medici (Danny DeVito) recently purchased a pregnant elephant, Jumbo, as a ticket-booster, but when the baby elephant, Dumbo, is born, his enormous ears make him the laughing stock of the circus.  Holt and his children are placed in charge of Dumbo when his mother is sent away after trying to protect him.  Dumbo is understandably saddened, so Milly and Joe try to cheer him up by playing with him; however, when Dumbo inhales a feather, he is able to use his huge ears to fly.  Dumbo is given a flying act and the children hope that it will provide a way to save Jumbo, but the world’s only flying elephant attracts the attention of theme park entrepreneur Vandemere (Michael Keaton).  Vandemere offers the circus crew shares in his park because he has plans to create a new act with Dumbo and his trapeze artist, Colette (Eva Green).  While everyone is initially excited for the offer, Joe, Milly, and Dumbo make a few startling discoveries and quickly realize that Vandemere’s park is far different than they thought.  As time starts to run out, it’s up to Joe, Milly, Holt, Colette and the rest of their circus family to band together to save Dumbo.

The latest installment in Disney’s live action remake has a somewhat darker tone (much like the 1941 original), but it’s introduced in a way that’s less upsetting for younger audiences.  The sets, costumes, and animation provide a stunning visual experience, and the soundtrack and script are reminiscent of the original’s score.  While mainly aimed at the nostalgia factor and creating a new generation of fans, there is enough action, humor, and heartbreak to keep adults engaged with the story.  As it should be, the real focus of Dumbo is the magic and wonder surrounding the little elephant that can fly.

| Rated: PG | Running Time: 112 minutes |Genre: fantasy/adventure |

||Family Viewing||Cursing: 0.5 of 10|Nudity: 0 of 10|Sexuality: 0 of 10|Gore: 1 of 10

|AVAILABLE FOR HOME VIEWING|