Tim Burtons’ “Dumbo” Crashes after Takeoff

Photo Courtesy Walt Disney Studios

Tim Burton has well established his visual flair and interest in creature stories, but unfortunately his filmic style doesn’t save this heartwarming Disney classic from being two dimensional.

The cinematography of Ben Davis and score of Danny Elfman help hold the film together into something that can be relatively enjoyed in the theatre, but stale characters and lack of their development produce a film that feels detached.

One thing I quickly noticed, which I don’t believe I’ve ever noticed in any recent Disney film, was the bland child acting. The children kept straight faces, even when crying, and their lines fell flat and were delivered flavorless.

The film does hold onto some of the wonder of the original film through its lovely set design, lighting, and visual effects. In particular, the bubble scene which Dumbo watched made me feel giddy.

But even with a happy ending, Dumbo feels disconnected from its own story and it almost seems to focus on everyone else before it focuses on Dumbo.

Though the film is ultimately forgettable, it’s creative images help pool it into a Disney film that may not age as bad as milk, but may not be remembered fondly.