The One and Only Ivan

Though 'The One And Only Ivan (2020)' initially seems to skew quite young with its CG animal cast and to-camera narration, it eventually becomes a relatively nuanced exploration of the ethics of animal captivity. Is freedom worth trading for security? How free can you be from within a cage? Is it wrong to keep an animal out of the wild, even if it's loved and given all the care it needs? These questions are all brought up over the course of the breezy but unconventionally paced piece, with their never-as-simple-as-they-seem answers being left largely for the viewer to decipher. Along the way, the flick charms with its subtle but warm voice-work and its impressively integrated special effects. It isn't mind-blowing, but it's generally enjoyable and much more interesting than you may expect. It's a good movie. 6/10

As a teen I would not recommend this film to another teen or adult. Disney is kind of just doing the same thing they always do (which they do well don't get me wrong). The book on the other hand, while geared toward younger audiences is something I could get behind anytime at all. What made the book so special was the way Applegate was able to write from the perspective of a gorilla. It was brilliant and I now realize that there was little hope of a movie being able to achieve the same thing. I watched this film because it was nominated for best visual effects this year and I was not disappointed on that front at all. Overall this is a good film to watch with a young person unfamiliar with the ways of Disney, but certainly read the book first.

This is a very sweet story about an ape in captivity who lived for years in a shopping mall performing circus acts and he learns to paint and dreams of freedom where he can roam in the wild. The animals are friends and talk to one another and worry as business goes downhill with declining attendance. They embark on a courageous escape only to realize the wild isn't quite what they imagined. The CGI is well done as it looks realistic and the voice acting is fantastic as well. Overall the story is endearing especially as it's a true story.

It is an emotional story that every family can watch. Even if the screenplay is a bit weak and some characters are boring, after all is nice and interesting.

Special effects are amazing! Animals look real!

My rating is 7.

Nothing all that fresh, but it certainly made me feel for the characters so that's always a big plus.

The cast elevate the film, for sure! Bryan Cranston, no matter the nature of any role he plays, is always enjoyable and/or likeable. He brings heart as Mack, as do Sam Rockwell (Ivan) and Angelina Jolie (Stella). I liked Danny DeVito as Bob, while Ariana Greenblatt portrays the wholesome Julia well.

The (true) premise is something we've all seen before, as such you're just waiting for the 'penny to drop' so the film can get going - once that happens onscreen events do improve, culminating in a very touching end. 'The One and Only Ivan' is ideal for family viewing, I'd say.