It probably doesn’t help that “Ferdinand” was released
simultaneously with “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
What’s really sad was that “Ferdinand” didn’t win the
weekend’s box office.
Richard Propes said in his review, “While Ferdinand is
a little more Americanized than I would like it to be, especially in terms of
its music, Ferdinand is also one of the year's best animated features.”
Certainly unsure of the great “Coco,” “Ferdinand” is still a fun time with a
huge heart and a film that one can only finds an audience even though “Star
Wars” was with most of the people.
“Ferdinand” tells the story of a giant bull with a
huge heart. Raised to be a fighter, Ferdinand is instead a lover and a very
gentle bull who wants to find a place where he can be the bull he is meant to
be.
Propes noted, “"The Story of Ferdinand,"
however, has always been a much bigger story than simply "be
yourself." First published in Spain in 1936, we're talking pre-World War
II here, this story of a bull that rejected bullfighting as his ultimate
destiny was interpreted not just as a personal statement but as a cultural
statement. Ferdinand was a revolutionary and Ferdinand the film truly brings
that revolutionary to life.”
Casting one of my favorite WWE wrestlers John Cena as
Ferdinand is either hypocrisy or a completely smart move. Propes said, “My
vote? It's a stroke of genius. While Cena has made his mark, and his fortunes,
as an over-the-top wrestler whose brawn has left more than a few wrestlers
bloodied, Cena the man is known as one of the kindest and gentlest souls among
professional wrestlers and has granted more children's wishes through the
Make-A-Wish Foundation than any other celebrity. Recently known for such films
as Trainwreck and Sisters, Cena is both acknowledging the truth of who he is
while defying those stereotypes.”
He is Ferdinand.
He’s a funny character, but it’s thankfully a
different kind of funny that never comes at the expense of his rareness. We laugh
with Ferdinand as he tries to learn how to live out these differences, but not
because he lives out these difference.
There’s a huge difference. It’s great to watch.
Propes said, “I mean, c'mon, there has to be a
"bull in a china shop" scene and, of course, there actually is one.
Instead of feeling predictable and stereotyped, though, it is wonderfully
realized and sweet and funny.”
To anyone familiar with the book, it won’t come as a
surprise that Ferdinand necessarily expands upon it. The story of how Ferdinand
comes to find out what he knows will be his permanent home won’t be shared
here, but we can say that Nina, voiced by Lily Day, is a little girl who loves
her bull and it’s the type of special friendship that we usually see with
household pets. Paco, voiced by Jerrod Carmichael, is Nina’s dog who fits
nicely into his role of being a dog but can’t seem to keep from wagging his
tail when Ferdinand calls him “brother.”
Propes noted, “Weird is celebrated in Ferdinand as
"the new normal" and the film's relentlessly good heart is always on
display in a myriad of ways.” Even though he is ridiculed by other bulls,
voiced by Peyton Manning, David Tennant, Anthony Anderson, and Bobby Cannavale,
Ferdinand is a revolutionary and it becomes clear soon enough that his culture
may very well change if he truly continues.
Propes pointed out, “Ferdinand, in a remarkably kid
friendly way, also addresses unhealthy masculinity and dysfunctional gender
roles. Adults will understand it completely, while all kids will be able to
absorb the film's refusal to cater to such ridiculous stereotypes.” As Lupe, a “calming
goat” used to help manage the bulls, Kate McKinnon has a good number of the
film’s best one-liners yet her vocal work also shows a deeper understanding of
what exactly is going on here that needs to be understood.
“Ferdinand” is a winner, a feel-good film filled with
heart and humor and accepting anyone that makes them different and all that
makes them wonderful. Propes admitted, “While the film's soundtrack features
delightful and memorable tunes from the likes of Nick Jonas, Pitbull, and
Juanes, it occasionally gets a little too pop-oriented for my own taste.”
In all honesty, I think this film is a good family
film for everyone to see. Check it out on Disney+ and have a great time
watching it. I found it funny that a bull doesn’t want to be a fighter but have
a love for flowers, and I think everyone will love this, especially the children.
Everyone can watch this and get into it great, so check it out and have a nice
feel-good time.
Tomorrow I will be looking at another short in “Disney Month 2024.”
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