First Dumbo reactions: Disney's latest is visually dazzling & heartwarming

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Disney has a lot on their plate this year in terms of remakes and sequels based on their catalog of beloved Disney classics, and it all starts with this month’s DUMBO soaring into theaters. The movie’s premiere was held last night and featured actual circus themes to bring the festivities to life (hopefully no clowns, though), and the first batch of reactions have been hitting the internet since. So far the writers who have seen it are praising the elements that have been stealing the show in the trailers, namely the CGI elephant, the gorgeous production values, some winning performances from the human cast and, well, not much else. Well, certainly no one was expecting a fantastical retelling of “War & Peace.”

[SEE MORE]

This is the new movie from Tim Burton, after all, so we can certainly expect some dazzling, nigh-gothic imagery and a wondrous Danny Elfman score, and on that front the movie apparently delivers. Though some reactions call out that it doesn’t quite have the magic of the original movie – or even of some of the better live-action remakes – there are still plenty of visual elements and an adorable elephant to make it worthwhile.

Check out some of the reactions below!

I know I don’t sound too enthused about this movie but it was enjoyable, and it is certainly worlds better than Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins Returns. For reference, the only Disney live action remakes I liked were Jungle Book and Cinderella.

— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) March 12, 2019

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can say that #Dumbo is a genuinely heartwarming, entertaining movie that is definitely worth your time. The cast is enjoyable but the VFX Dumbo is so damn expressive that he steals the show everytime he's onscreen.

— Nick Kazden (@ricknazden) March 12, 2019

The reimagining of #Dumbo in Disney's live-action lexicon soars higher than audiences will expect with its universal storyline, relevant theming, and the adorably rendered CGI-ed elephant that will warm even the coldest of undead hearts.

— The Foxglove Child ???? (@sarahmusnicky) March 12, 2019

#Dumbo has a blessedly surprising pro-animal rights agenda wrapped in a subtle, rebellious meta-commentary on a band of outsiders shaking up a corporate establishment. Its aesthetic design is dazzling, gorgeous & meticulous. The CG elephant is absolutely adorable. pic.twitter.com/hN0gjHUiv4

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) March 12, 2019

Watched #Dumbo last week. Despite some great visuals, a very fun Michael Keaton performance, and an adorable baby pachyderm, the movie never really gets you caring as much about what's going on as the original. The human stories feel undercooked and it really rains on the parade.

— Tom Jorgensen (@Tom_Jorgensen) March 12, 2019

I really enjoyed #Dumbo? ?. It’s a beautiful and whimsical movie, starring a CGI elephant with so much heart. It’s also a rather simple tale, so don’t expect tons of character septh. But I still had a blast with the ride it took me on and it’s the best Burton’s been in years. pic.twitter.com/tKu6eHfKlM

— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) March 12, 2019

[SEE MORE]

Just got out of the world premiere of @Dumbo , and WOW WOW WOW! Tim Burton at its finest! It may be my fave live action remake yet! #dumbo #dumbopremiere pic.twitter.com/l2AL0LikQu

— Jessica McDonald (@healthy_mouse) March 12, 2019

The character Dumbo is an irresistible cannonball of tenderness. Every time he flies it lifts your spirit! Danny DeVito steals the show with a hilarious performance. Formulaic and melodramatic, but a better film than the Disney live-action adaptations from last year.

— Nestor Cine (@NestorCine) March 12, 2019

#Dumbo is the Star is Born of flying elephant movies.

— Franchise Fred (@FranchiseFred) March 12, 2019

#Dumbo the character is quite cute. But unfortunately, though it looks great, the movie lacks the sincerity and heart that made the animated original a classic. Too manufactured, and it’s super talented cast is a bit wasted on paper thin characters and relationships. -Mike M

— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) March 12, 2019

Our reporter @minkus saw #Dumbo. “It’s absolutely wonderful – a beautiful story, quite different than the original, that won’t leave a dry eye in the theater. The cast is kismet together on screen. It’s one of Tim Burton’s best in a long time.” Full review on the 26th. pic.twitter.com/1VvhDU9dbl

— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) March 12, 2019

Here's the synopsis:

Circus owner Max Medici (DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Farrell) and his children Milly (Parker) and Joe (Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

DUMBO is in theaters March 29.