‘Dumbo’ is an old-fashioned family blockbuster

The live-action reimagining of Disney’s 1941 animated classic “Dumbo” is a CGI hybrid. Quirky director Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland”) assembles an all-star cast, including Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Alan Arkin and Eva Green, but films a digitally enhanced circus world almost exclusively at England’s Pinewood Studios.

The movie tagline is “This beloved tale will take you to new heights,” and that it does. There is a lot to appreciate about the remaking of this 78-year-old classic, as each time that adorable little “earviator” flies, the movie soars. With Burton’s murky and innovative palette, it’s visually impressive and more fun than a three-ring, uh, you know.

Although the story takes place a hundred years ago, production designer Rick Heinrichs says Burton was less interested in giving a history lesson and more focused on the emotion of the story. The Casey Jr. train was painfully created and then blasted to appear worn and in disrepair, to reflect a circus struggling to remain in business.

Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) is not exactly the greatest showman. He hires wounded WWI veteran Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) to care for the elephants. Holt had previously been a skilled horseman, but the loss of his arm limited his abilities. His children, Milly and Joe, harbor resentment towards dear old dad for his leaving.

Max pins his hopes on Mrs. Jumbo, ready to give birth to a baby elephant, but Baby Jumbo’s oversized ears make him the laughing stock of this struggling business. The children discover that with the help of a feather, Dumbo can use those ears to fly. The challenge is how to best capitalize on this phenomenon for the sake of the show.

The initial flights are unnerving, but then become thrilling, delightful and magical. Naturally, the word gets out to entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) and his aerial artist Colette (Eva Green “Casino Royale”), who offer Max the opportunity to exploit their little star at the big show, dazzling Dreamland Amusement Park.

This Dreamland takes a soft swing at Disney’s own industry reputation as a callous business operation. Not only is Keaton’s character not your Uncle Walt, it seems Keaton could have played a more serious Ray Kroc type character, who built the McDonald’s business in “The Founder.” Here, he’s a single dimension Snidely Whiplash, yikes!

The elephant in the room is Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” (1992) where Keaton was the hero and DeVito the evil Penguin. Now, Burton has Keaton as the villain and DeVito wearing the white hat. Regrettably, Keaton overacts the part, but DeVito is brilliant and at times, comically captivating. Both characters are thinly written, but possibly easier for kids to follow the story. Vandevere asks, “Is that a monkey in your desk?” Max deadpans, “Just for emergencies.”

Will Smith was offered to play Holt, but instead choose to star in the upcoming musical “Aladdin.” Similarly, Emma Watson turned down “Cinderella” to play Belle in the musical “Beauty and the Beast.” Eva Green trained for her aerial stunts but mostly for her fear of heights. All three of the family members had to fake American accents. Farrell is Irish and the kids are English, with Nico Parker the daughter of actress Thandie Newton.

“Dumbo” is 112 minutes and rated PG for peril, action, thematic elements and mild language. “Dumbo” is a symbol for one who does not fit in, but turns a disability into an advantage, kind of an early X-Men. Your perspective of this movie might depend on your desire for a sweet, heartwarming, old-fashioned family blockbuster.

For authenticity, the filmmakers brought in real circus performers from all over the world. Michael Buffer, the noted boxing and wrestling announcer, plays the ringmaster using his famous catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to Dumbooooo!” (replacing “rumble”). Dumbo’s flying scenes are exhilarating and even mesmerizing, even if it makes him a one-trick pony (and all Rembrandt could do was paint). So, in this case, it’s irrelephant.

Ron’s Rating: B Leigh’s Rating: A-