Read Negative User Reviews for Dumbo (2019)

3

Rebecca31Mar 31, 2019

You've seen a horse fly, you've seen a dragon fly, you may even have seen a house fly, but you ain't ever seen an elephant fly. Well you have if you've seen the 1941 animated version, but these days Disney insists on remaking all their oldYou've seen a horse fly, you've seen a dragon fly, you may even have seen a house fly, but you ain't ever seen an elephant fly. Well you have if you've seen the 1941 animated version, but these days Disney insists on remaking all their old classics because they're all out of ideas, they want to bring in a new generation of fans. In 2019 you can see Dumbo fly all over again in a live adaptation remake. A truly magical moment on the big screen again only with better effects, so does it hold up to the original animation? No, it doesn't. Sorry Tim Burton I'm a huge fan and all but this is nowhere near the standard it should be.

Dumbo isn't exactly a film that needs an introduction but you're getting one anyway. It's a baby elephant with oversized ears that allow him to fly, which turns out to be a blessing for a struggling circus but also attracts the attention of the shady entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton). This remake or reimagining as they like to call it, for the most part is pretty much the same story with the addition of some new characters, Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Eva Green and Michael Keaton. Honestly if it wasn't for Farrell and DeVito this would be so much worse, their characters are interesting and time has been spent developing their characters. I can't exactly say the same for everyone else. Eva Green is just there to look pretty and the rest of the cast if I'm honest don't add much. It all feels very generic. Michael Keaton just went full on with this role, yes Michael we all know you play a great villain but perhaps you should have toned it down a notch, I understand as a children's film certain things are embellished slightly but there's a line and Keaton goes well beyond it. I've mentioned this before, if you're going to remake a film you should at least try to make some changes and add your own spin on it. Well this may have Tim Burton's name on it but it doesn't really feel like a Burton film. It has the signature Danny Elfman score sure but that's about it. Dumbo 2019 doesn't tug at the heart strings like the original 1941 version. If like me you haven't seen the original since you were a child then maybe give it another watch because there's a lot of dark themes within the story. Whereas this remake has little to no impact which makes you think what was the point. No seriously Disney I'm actually asking you, what is the point? Remake everything almost shot for shot, or else make another sequel to one of your many franchises, is that all we're getting now? At this rate the trend of Disney making a live adaptation of their old movies is going to get tiresome real quick. The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast have done well but with Aladdin, The Lion King and Mulan on the horizon it doesn't look like we're getting anything original for a while. Dumbo is not terrible, but it's not great either. Recommended for anyone needing to entertain your kids for a couple of hours.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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3

tmmark82Apr 1, 2019

Typical Hollywood adaptation of a Disney Classic. For once it would be great to go to a movie and not get a lesson on social awareness issues. For God's sake it is already about a flying elephant, do I really need to be scolded about animalTypical Hollywood adaptation of a Disney Classic. For once it would be great to go to a movie and not get a lesson on social awareness issues. For God's sake it is already about a flying elephant, do I really need to be scolded about animal cruelty and big corporations are evil. Effects were cute. I would have rather seen the original adaptation with more animals talking and less human involvment.… Expand

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3

MattyiceMar 29, 2019

I was almost certain that Dumbo would buck the trend of "copy-paste" Disney remakes with new characters and an engaging different story, considering Dumbo's original run time is a mere one hour. Unfortunately, I was sorely let down, as thisI was almost certain that Dumbo would buck the trend of "copy-paste" Disney remakes with new characters and an engaging different story, considering Dumbo's original run time is a mere one hour. Unfortunately, I was sorely let down, as this ends up being a poor effort by Disney. Main positives were the adorable elephant himself and a few circus sequences. Also it's hard to resist the charm of Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton in their roles. However, the film falters in most other regards, with a story that puts more emphasis on the lifeless, boring human characters instead of Dumbo, changing a lot of the main significance/themes from the original movie. Even with a longer running time, it still feels like the story is rushing out of its originally okay beginning to a lackluster second half. Because of this, character development feels rushed as well. Overall, while I do still appreciate Disney trying something different than just doing complete remakes of their old properties, this is not a good one.… Expand

8 of 9 users found this helpful81

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3

amheretojudgeApr 1, 2019

A Flight Gone Awry.

Dumbo Burton's live action Disney take on an emotionally driven circus act is profoundly dull. Probably, this has always been the risk that Tim Burton's (the director) sketchy cartoonish world comes with. Even looking atA Flight Gone Awry.

Dumbo

Burton's live action Disney take on an emotionally driven circus act is profoundly dull. Probably, this has always been the risk that Tim Burton's (the director) sketchy cartoonish world comes with. Even looking at his previous projects, you can easily say that each of the visual galores could have gone wrong. But it is that fine analysation of emotion that Burton personifies on a screen with one dimensional characters; that makes it, against all odds, much better. So when you hear about the collaboration of Burton and Disney, you would think that it is a match made in heaven. Unfortunately, you are going to lose that bet, for carrying out such a wallop of drama, he has decided to surf above it, in fact hover around it, but will not and does not get his hand dirty.

There is no string attached to the storytelling, no thread to link them all, ironically in a concept where everyone is rooting for one innocent character. You feel physically distant with this world, not when it tries to brag about its cookiness but when expresses the humane qualities. Although, for a brief period, it does get your feet taping in rhythm, but the credit goes to the "teamwork" theme that Disney has been endorsing since ages.

The performance is decent coming from Danny DeVito as a goofy manager and Nico Parker as a sweet host of the storyline. And on the other hand, major contenders like Colin Farrell as an over brooding post war hero, Eva Green as the dame and Michael Keaton as a stereotypical evil billionaire fails to make our heart pump fast. Dumbo is not the example to put on a table full of love letters to Disney films, what humanized the animated version in the early 40s, is alienated vigorously by shattering our childhood memories.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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0

timaoMar 29, 2019

When was the last time Disney had an original idea? The only thing that they have done is buy other studios that are doing good work. This reminds me of the creatively bankrupt Disney that pumped out direct to video sequels in the 90s.

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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0

TiduraesMar 29, 2019

Lazy and souless crashgrab. It's almost like Disney forgot what used to make them so great, and are letting their magic die. Hopefully these live action remakes will end sooner rather than later.

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

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0

corinthiansMar 29, 2019

New story all about the kids not about dumbo horrible remake. I was really excited total change up.

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3

JortigoApr 12, 2019

It's forgettable, I'm sorry, but it's garbage.
The only good thing is the cast.

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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0

Haydn_CApr 4, 2019

This movie is a CGI mess, you can look at the movies wallpaper and you'll see that I'm right. Once again a movie that Disney has made that HAS NOT interested me, trust me when I say I like movies, I gave Spider-Verse a 10 score, but I don'tThis movie is a CGI mess, you can look at the movies wallpaper and you'll see that I'm right. Once again a movie that Disney has made that HAS NOT interested me, trust me when I say I like movies, I gave Spider-Verse a 10 score, but I don't like when a company (especially an entertainment company) is unoriginal. Have a good day everyone.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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1

Qgal5kapJun 23, 2019

My daughter hated this movie, and so did I. Hollywood, please, everything does not have to be like Dark Knight Rises. Children's movies must not be downers, dark, and filled with identity politics either.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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2

TrevorsViewApr 11, 2019

The adorable circus animal who used his freakishly giant ears to fly may have been pure lovability, until Tim Burton’s “reimagining” proves even the cuddliest things can mark that assumption wrong. The new Dumbo embraces saturated marketingThe adorable circus animal who used his freakishly giant ears to fly may have been pure lovability, until Tim Burton’s “reimagining” proves even the cuddliest things can mark that assumption wrong. The new Dumbo embraces saturated marketing only to take advantage of the public, much like how a “sweet” family-friendly story features a hot wife for no reason besides to satisfy the male gaze. The typical person thinks that s/he wants to relive childhood memories temporarily, which of course leads the Disney studio to exploit classic Burton.

The wicked imagination behind Beetlejuice, Batman, and other hits of abnormality brings only one scene of his trademark style as he directs totally demented pink elephant bubbles. Although it’s an incredibly pointless scene, made even worse when the editor cuts away too quickly for the audience to get a good look at the rosy bubbles. Henceforth, the intention of it being a creepy scene fails. Burton also attempts relevance by including the original cartoon Dumbo merchandise that is sold to patrons, which is still an old-fashioned, dumbed-down way of conveying the complex ideas of abusing stardom.

The cast displays less talent than the CGI face on the delightful Casey Jr. train, with less time put into redeeming the corrupted flesh of the actors’ absent facial work, without so much as a smile nor gag in sight. I mean… does the widower father feel even a smidgen of survivor’s guilt? He never shows it. Any genuine feeling, particularly that of foulness, only comes out through the emotionally hollow way Jumbo Jr. gets his humiliating name. Then there’s Michael Keaton, whose funny overacting matches Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Yeah, no comment.

Now, for some lessons on Mouse House screenwriting 101:
Pander early on by throwing in a lazy shot of field-working slaves for no reason.
Neglect the details, don’t make it clear right away that it’s the ears that make the pipsqueak a freak.
Don’t show anyone affected by the danger of a baby animal.
Make sure when there’s a sad scene between animals, don’t show them crying, a lady playing on a ukulele will suffice.
Reference an old Hollywood masterpiece, Raging Bull, by making Dumbo’s big top intro mimic a boxing match, with focus on the mike… to please genuine movie fans!
Talk down to the PG-rated crowd.

With all these blaring issues, it goes to no surprise that nobody in the screenplay changes by the end, particularly the daughter, who hopes to pursue science outside the three rings. A key necklace is supposed to be a core component to her arc, yet it’s addressed exactly twice—nowhere near enough times! She almost positively hates being in the project, much like Colin Farrell, as he makes clear through his performance.

There are those appropriately dark moments, ones with indistinguishable animal silhouettes in black fog, but they are so short and so sparse, it doesn’t redeem how little the adults behind this feature expect out of young developing minds. It thinks children are inept at comprehending tragedy, just a lemur singing, “I like to move it, move it!” Yet in truth, as much as you try to sustain a crap circus for gullible minds to watch, the financial complications take over. These losers cannot bring the near-bankrupt circus back on top—they cannot manage money responsibly!

Yet Disney still builds up the hype, as after their past hits across animation and Broadway won over the public, they now continually tarnish their reputation with awful photorealistic remakes. People have said good things about them so far, but it seems over time that lower faith will be found toward such a nostalgic studio as it becomes a victim of its own identity. Of everyone responsible for this train wreck, only Oscar legend Colleen Atwood meets her high standard as she allows the visual power of costumes to flourish.

Surely you know yourself well enough to know that a movie where Morgan “God” Freeman gives Steve Carell ark-construction supplies is really only an excuse to make poop jokes. Surely you trust yourself enough to stop gullibly giving your money to an evil corporation despite all the signs from trailers and marketing saying to you, “we don’t care!” Do civilization a favor; ignore the pachyderm conga line at the Disney Corp. & Burton & Keaton Circus.… Expand

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1

bennyslenApr 8, 2019

I'm sorry, but this movie is pure garbage. Dumbo is lovely, but that's it. Nothing else is good in this movie.

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2

JumpCut_OnlineApr 9, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In the transfer to live-action, there are pros and cons. Burton’s world-building is transportive, with the aid of Ben Davis’ stunning, silhouette-adept cinematography which sends the heart soaring when Dumbo takes flight. There’s an enchanting bubble sequence that, albeit momentarily defies the grounded feel prior, feels like an ode to the wonder of Fantasia (the music from Danny Elfman, a frequent collaborator, is toe-tappingly excellent but lacks in walkaway power). But the same magic isn’t there. Dumbo is, in fact, an aerodynamic impossibility, there’s a scene where we’re supposed to believe Green’s character can’t see an airborne elephant around her, and Dreamland is a telling indicator that Disney have never heard the phrase, “check yourself before you wreck yourself”. And most hilariously of all, how can you really take a film seriously that has world-famous boxing announcer Michael Buffer shout “Let’s get ready for Dumbo”?… Expand

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3

JoeSabinJul 1, 2019

We were so excited to see the live-action/CGI remake of this classic. I have rarely been this disappointed. It started out well done, but then in Tim Burton's inimitable style, he goes deep dark and disturbing. Ruined the experience. JustWe were so excited to see the live-action/CGI remake of this classic. I have rarely been this disappointed. It started out well done, but then in Tim Burton's inimitable style, he goes deep dark and disturbing. Ruined the experience. Just simply destroyed any sense of enjoyment I could find watching the film. Why did Disney let him destroy the legacy of Dumbo?… Expand

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2

Kevin3Sep 12, 2019

A veces esta bueno hacer una historia diferente cuando se hace un live action de disney pero bien echa

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2

CalandriaJul 30, 2020

Dumbo is a bad and boring movie, without creativity, and it shows for being the worst live action (In my opinion) of Disney (And that is very difficult because the mayority live actions are bad, and they don´t measure up to the originals)

IDumbo is a bad and boring movie, without creativity, and it shows for being the worst live action (In my opinion) of Disney (And that is very difficult because the mayority live actions are bad, and they don´t measure up to the originals)

I put 2, only for the special effects, Dumbo and Eva Green´s performance, the rest is horrible, and the worst is the girl performance, if i have to take a word, it will be "insufferable".… Expand

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2

Dragonfly44Oct 25, 2020

It certainly looks nice but that doesn't take away from the fact its dull and hopeless. 25/100

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3

sebastianaliJan 18, 2021

Dumbo 2019 me decepciono, honestamente, Disney debería dejar de hacer live action remakes porque todos le salen horribles (a excepción de la Bella y la Bestia). La original era mi película favorita de todos los tiempos! Como pudieronDumbo 2019 me decepciono, honestamente, Disney debería dejar de hacer live action remakes porque todos le salen horribles (a excepción de la Bella y la Bestia). La original era mi película favorita de todos los tiempos! Como pudieron arruinarla?! Las únicas situaciones salvables de la película son algunas con Dumbo mostrando su personalidad que sigue siendo bastante cute dentro de todo, y bueno, básicamente todas las escenas de la original representadas, aunque si que les falto representar mas... Mas que un remake se podría decir que es un reboot, sin embargo, es un reboot mal hecho. Los nuevos personajes son super genéricos, cliches y muy olvidables. La historia de hecho esta tan separada de la original que podría llamarse de otro nombre y nadie diría nada. Otro caso en el que se usa un nombre famoso para vender. Incluso si tuviera que ser mas objetivo criticando esta película, como ya dije, la película se centra en personajes humanos mas que en Dumbo, personajes que no exploran su pasado casi nada y no son para nada interesantes, ademas llega un punto en el que mas o menos en las ultimas escenas parece una copia de Jurassic Park, pero bueno, lo dejo ahí.
Aburrida, con situaciones nuevas muy olvidables y las que no son nuevas se sienten un downgrade total, sin carisma y la seriedad que tenia la original por el filtro de live action que le pasaron por encima, y canciones que ya no son las mismas. Incluso si no viste la original, no la recomiendo.… Expand

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2

ajzeg01Nov 30, 2019

Look, I’m going to be honest with you guys, I didn’t even really pay attention to this one. It was just kind of on in the background and I glanced at it from time to time. From what I could gather, this movie is better than Aladdin and TheLook, I’m going to be honest with you guys, I didn’t even really pay attention to this one. It was just kind of on in the background and I glanced at it from time to time. From what I could gather, this movie is better than Aladdin and The Lion King. That’s not saying much though. It is still way too long, it’s filled with bad writing and acting, all the colour is washed-out and it doesn’t seem to understand what made people like the original so much. Some of the designs were kinda interesting, the CGI was decent, some parts were so bad they were actually pretty funny and Danny DeVito is unironically a national f*cking treasure, but that’s about all the good I have to say about this movie. It is more original than some of the other Disney remakes, it’s kind of like Evil Dead 2 because it’s part remake but mostly a sequel, but the original plot they came up with was just stupid and it’s been done better in a million other movies. After that Alice in Wonderland remake/sequel thing, can we all agree to keep Tim Burton away from classic Disney movies? His macabre but whimsical style just doesn’t work for them. Can we just get another stop-motion movie from him already? Thanks. Anyway, this movie is not as bad as some others I’ve seen, but it is not good. I’d say just skip it and watch the original Dumbo or Big Fish instead.… Expand

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1

Enzo_SoloMay 6, 2020

The film did not learn from the mistakes made by Disney in the production of Beauty and the Beast of 2017 and becomes a film full of flaws and disgusting FX for its year!

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