In light of Disney's bid to acquire 21st Century Fox, I decided to review the latest animated film from Fox's Blue Sky Studios, "Ferdinand." As the potential acquisition could make this film a part of the Disney family, it seemed fitting to explore its strengths and weaknesses. Based on a beloved children's book that was previously adapted by Walt Disney in 1938, "Ferdinand" offers a heartwarming story and engaging characters. Let's delve into the details and see how this film measures up.
An Animated Tale:
Blue Sky's "Ferdinand" had caught my attention with its ad campaign, and from the initial trailer, I was reminded of Disney's "Home on the Range." The character design and animal cast seemed reminiscent of that film, and the humor appeared to have a similar tone. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the film did not rely heavily on fart jokes, as suggested by the trailer.
Challenges in Adaptation:
The main challenge for the filmmakers was adapting a short story into a feature-length film, especially when the story had been previously adapted in animated form. Comparisons can be drawn to the adaptation of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," which fared better as a TV special than as a live-action film. However, given Blue Sky's successful adaptation of "Horton Hears a Who," my hopes remained high.
Plot and Pacing:
Unfortunately, "Ferdinand" suffers from a lack of plot development, resulting in weak first and second acts. While the story pays off in the third act, much of the film feels padded with borrowed and recycled content. The movie's strengths lie in a few solid and memorable gags, but these moments are not enough to sustain interest throughout its 106-minute runtime.
Casting and Cultural Representation:
One notable aspect of "Ferdinand" is its casting choices. John Cena delivers an impressive acting performance as the voice of Ferdinand, portraying the gentle bull's sincerity with authenticity. Kate McKinnon shines as Lupe, providing a much-needed source of true comedy. However, the film raises concerns about cultural representation, as Spanish characters are voiced by non-Latino actors, and the film fails to fully embrace the culture in which the story is set. Such choices feel outdated in an era of increased cultural awareness.
Visual Homage and Thought-Provoking Elements:
Fans of the original Disney short, "Ferdinand the Bull," will appreciate the film's homage to its colors and framing. The animation pays tribute to the classic with visual references that evoke nostalgia. However, the film introduces an oddity by portraying bulls raised for bullfighting, a deadly sport that was banned in Spain in 2014. This raises questions about humane treatment and the film's missed opportunity to address such issues.
Conclusion:
While "Ferdinand" falls short in terms of plot and pacing, it offers heartwarming moments and a few solid gags that bring the story to life. It ranks fourth among Blue Sky's projects, surpassing the "Ice Age" franchise but falling short of their best works. As Disney's potential acquisition of 21st Century Fox looms, it's worth considering how this film could fit into the Disney animation legacy. "Ferdinand" serves as a reminder of the strengths and weaknesses of Blue Sky Studios, leaving audiences with a mix of satisfaction and missed potential.
"Mother!" is a 2017 psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky that takes viewers on an intense and allegorical journey. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, and Michelle Pfeiffer, the film explores themes of creation, destruction, and the exploitation of Mother Earth. With its surreal and dream-like narrative, "Mother!" pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling and challenges audiences to interpret its symbolic and haunting imagery. Unraveling the Plot: The story revolves around a young woman, referred to as Mother, who lives in an idyllic country home with her acclaimed poet husband, Him. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when a mysterious couple, Man and Woman, arrives at their doorstep. As their stay prolongs, tensions rise, and Mother becomes increasingly unsettled by the intrusive behavior of their guests. What unfolds is a series of unsettling events and escalating chaos that reflects humanity's destructive natur...
Comments
Post a Comment