Tim Burton's singular vision is stunning. Disney has totally nailed the animation turned live-action visuals. The CGI is so good. They had some practice animating elephants in The Jungle Book, and live action Dumbo is adorable. His eyes are real. There is so much emotion in those eyes. And many shots are in the reflection of those eyes taking on Dumbo's perspective. The first scene in which Dumbo takes flight is breathtaking. And to think Dumbo doesn't fly in the original until the end. This new version adds an element of humanity. The kids are great. Danny Devito is a natural ringmaster. The movie plays a little like a superhero movie: Dumbo's origin story, if you will. The super power is obviously flight. Dumbo is given motivation to use his powers, and ultimately uses them to save the day. Maybe that's why it got mixed reviews... because it is a little formulaic in that superhero template that critics have tired of. But certainly didn't expect that from Dumbo. And I like Arcade Fire.
