What's great about this film is that it has something for everyone. The adult humor in this will go right over youngsters heads, like a scene in which Ferdinand is literally a "Bull in a China shop". He was made to be terrifying and born to fight. He decides that he doesn't want to live that traditional life. From the makers of "Ice Age" , comes a children's film for the ages.
What makes this film wonderful, is the craft and overall presentation of what the film is. Veteran "Blue Sky" director Carlos Saldanha uses the source material to depict the film as accurate as possible. I didn't read the book when I was little, but, this film serves as a substitute for that. The animation in this film is spectacular. The detail Saldanha has here is very intriguing. I was in awe of the animated the whole time.
The cast of the film is very unique in the ways of energy brought to the film. John Cena plays the title character in charming fashion. He has energy and charisma with the experience of being in a kids atmosphere, (He has hosted Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards). He just comes across as a cheery and all around fun guy when you hear him in this film.
Also starring is the ever so funny Kate McKinnon who we saw in last years (Angry Birds Movie). She is at the hip of our main man, or bull I should say, during his ups and downs. You also have newcomer Lily Day. Day, who plays "Nina", Ferdinand's owner, does an excellent job at adding constant emotional effects to the film and to the other characters.
Not only does this film have adult humor and emotional plots, it has action. The action in this movie is stellar (for a children's film). But, adults can enjoy it as much as the little ones.
To go right along with the action, emotional aspects and humor, John Powell creates a score that keeps audiences on their toes. Also with the addition of an original tune by Nick Jonas, that is very upbeat and makes the film more on its toes.
Hidden in the film, are some lessons for youngsters but also for teens and adults. Such take away themes would be: Be different. Don't listen to those who try and bring you down. Make your path. We see this evidently in the eyes of Ferdinand, which makes this film ultimately special. is the themes hidden within it.
Mess with the bull, you're gonna get the horns. This metaphor is taken quite literally, because of the nature of the film. 2017 hasn't seen the likes of many animated films. But, it's refreshing to see that this film marks as one of the years best animated films.
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| Photo courtesy of Blue Sky Studios |
Rate: A-
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Starring: John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Anthony Anderson, with Lily Day and Bobby Cannavale
MPAA Rating: PG (for rude humor, action and some thematic elements)
Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes
Synopsis: A giant but gentle bull must find a way to break free from his captors and return home to his family.
Malawski’s Movie Rating System
A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.
