Film review: Ferdinand

 

Ferdinand the movie is colourful, entertaining, sweet and educational – the best Christmas animation movie in a decade! Read why London Mums and kids loved it.

 

 

The story

Ferdinand tells the story of a giant bull (voiced by John Cena) with a big heart. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure. Set in Spain, Ferdinand proves you can’t judge a bull by its cover.

 

From Blue Sky Studios and Carlos Saldanha, the director of Rio and inspired by the beloved book “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson from 1938, Ferdinand is a heart warming 3D computer-animated comedy adventure with an all-star cast that includes John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Anthony Anderson, David Tennant, Sally Phillips and many more.

 

Ferdinand is Daveed’s second movie after Wonder where he plays the teacher of Auggie. I recently met him in London and must say that he’s a very nice chap. His character in Ferdinand is hilarious. Daveed is the one to watch.

 

 

The trailer 

 

Interview with Sally Phillips 

The verdict

 

Going to the cinema is not a gamble any longer. The quality of filmmaking is very high these days and it has become rare for me to wanting to rush out of a screening upset and disappointed. Ferdinand is no exception. The animation has vibrant colours and lots of standalone gags to already make it a classic animated comedy. 

 

My favourite scene is probably when Ferdinand the bull enters in a china shop by mistake and tries not to break anything.

He’s so graceful and funny doing his best to think slim and avoiding breaking the porcelain while the frail old lady with huge glasses cleans the pottery using his tail without even noticing that there’s a bull in her shop. It will become a classic gag! Another great scene is when the posh horses (one of which is voiced by the inimitable Sally Phillips) and the bulls compete against each other performing a dancing routine.

 

Watch my exclusive with Sally Phillips on YouTube.

 
The key message is clearly ‘stand up for yourself while being kind to others’. It’s great to show a film like this to children through a lovable character who never backs down on his values.
 

 

The fabulous soundtrack includes a well balanced mix of traditional Spanish flamenco and modern music. I really enjoyed listening to the tunes throughout the film and will probably get the album as my top car music choice. 

 

Both London Mums and Kids rating: 8/10

 

Ferdinand is out this weekend in 3D and 2D. It’s worth watching it in 3D. 

 

Family Movies that we have recently reviewed all include kindness messages: Wonder and Paddington 2, and now Ferdinand will become instant classic and not just for Christmas.

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