The One and Only Ivan is a great family movie, but I can’t help but shake the belief that this film was made by PETA!!!

Real Rating: 3.5 Gorillas

What I Like:

-The voice acting was great, especially Sam Rockwell as Ivan and his relationship with the stray dog, Bob, voiced by Danny DeVito, their friendship looks genuine, and Ivan’s influence with the other animals
-As far as the real life actors, Bryan Cranston was really good as well as pretty much the ringmaster of his show, it does show a real human side of him and the stress of his business that brings a great reality to this film
-I have to say, the CGI animation was on point for the animals, they definitely looked real, and the cinematography of this film was great as well

The So So:

-I get the main message for the kids and families that watch this film, but the third act felt like it came straight from PETA, an organization that annoys me from time to time with their methods, I know it is not fair, but I can’t shake the feeling that PETA’s hands was around this

What I Didn’t Like:

-Can a story be very simple, for kids movies, yes, but for a family movie, it definitely needs more depth to make it effective
-Also the tone of the film did fell uneven and familiar, reminded me of Dumbo and Free Willy at times, and can’t pick of it wanted to be a movie with a message or just entertainment

Overall:

It is a fine movie for your young kids. Reminded me of a time when I was young and use to watch Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and Free Willy. With that said, that is the main problem it is all too familiar. You can enjoy it but it won’t be as effective, especially when you get PETA vibes like me. Regardless, its a fine movie, and that is something you can’t take away from it!!!

Real Rating: 3.5 Gorillas