The One and Only Ivan
At its core, Ivan is a heartfelt children’s tale along the lines of “Charlotte’s Web”. A tale of talking animals that have formed a makeshift family and are trying to find their place in a human dominated world. A place where animals are performers in a downsized circus permanently fixed inside of a dying shopping mall.
Disney’s retelling of K.A. Applegate’s award winning book of the same name does a fine job of creating believable CGI characters with depth and rich emotional performances. The main characters are complex and the action holds steady throughout the entire film. Ivan (Sam Rockwell) is a Silverback gorilla and the star act in the show who was raised with love and kindness from his infancy by Mack (Bryan Cranston) the owner and ringmaster of the show. Danny Devito (Bob) brings energy and life to many scenes as a scruffy stray mutt who slips into the circus to befriend Ivan.
The story is well constructed with multiple layers of conflict all happening simultaneously. Mack is struggling to keep the circus afloat. Ivan is trying to hold onto his mantle as the star act of the show when a cute new act shows up and upstages him. Bob isn’t suppose to be backstage, but he is trying to stay with Ivan and is constantly being chased off by irate employees. The action is complex and interesting throughout the film.
The one downside to the flow of the story is character motivation particularly with the main character, Ivan. To the audience, it is very unclear what our gorilla lead wants for a large portion of the film. At first, he wants to save the show from financial ruin as all the animals seem very concerned with doing. This is baffling because at the same time they all talk about being free from having to do the show. Then Ivan is concerned about not being fierce enough to be the main attraction anymore again not clear how that connects to being free. Then he wants to be an artist and not be seen as a fierce beast. And finally, he wants to be free which is apparently what he truly wanted all along, but not for himself; rather for Ruby, the cute baby elephant. As viewers, we’re not sure what to cheer for, but Ivan doesn’t seem to know either. What results are some jump starts that end up going nowhere.
The film seems to have a bit of an identity crisis highlighted in the open moment when the phrase “Inspired by a true story” appears on the screen then is immediately followed by a talking gorilla. It tries to be a tender drama, an adventurous comedy, an edgy plea for animals rights, and a comforting family tale all at the same time. And is oddly successful at most of them.
Bottom line is “The One and Only Ivan” is good solid family streaming with a beautiful story line that will keep everyone entertained. Visuals that will delight viewers and fine acting that allows the audience to explore the depths that the characters have to offer. It is well worth the time.
Written by David Alford
Score: 88 out of 100
Parents: Yes!
Teens: Yes!
Children: Yes!
Tots: Yes!
