We were able to watch a screening of Flora & Ulysses to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
A couple of nights ago I was able to watch a screening of the new Disney+ original movie, Flora & Ulysses. One of the things I loved most about the movie is that it kept a steady pace. The story was continually moving forward and I didn’t feel like there was any downtime.
Our review
Flora (played by Matilda Lawler) is an imaginative and adventurous 10-year-old girl who LOVES comics and the world of superheroes. This is in part because of her dad George Buckman (played by Ben Schwartz). Fun side note here, Ben also does the voice of Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog. Ben is an artist and loves drawing and creating comic book characters and comics. Though he is not successful in getting them published and this causes some stress on his relationship with his wife, Phyllis.
Phyllis Buckman (played by Allison Hannigan) is a romance novelist. With the stress between her and her husband she is struggling to find her inspiration for her latest novel. While she puts up a good front, she is very much needing some support, but won’t ask for help. (does that sound familiar ladies???) Flora sees more than her parents realize. The movie starts off with all of this already in play – and you can tell within a few minutes what is going on.
Great family movie
Ulysses comes into the movie early, having a near-death experience (not traumatic or scary) and Flora rescuing him. When he wakes, he has superhero powers. Through the course of the movie, different powers manifest themselves and it is fun to watch. Ulysses brings Flora’s family back together through their trials, adventures, and learning. And they make an unexpected friend, William, along the way.
I loved the nod to Iron Man with her “I love you 3000” line to her dad while they were sitting on the porch. It always makes you a little teary-eyed right? Just me?
The movie is great. It only runs for about 90 minutes. We laughed a lot. It is packed with adventure and humor and is really great for kids. Before it even ended my kids asked when they could watch it again.
About Flora & Ulysses
Disney’s “Flora & Ulysses” is a comedy-adventure based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora’s life–and her outlook–forever.
“Flora & Ulysses” stars Matilda Lawler, Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Anna Deavere Smith, Danny Pudi, Benjamin Evans Ainsworth, Janeane Garofolo and Kate McCucci.
It was directed by Lena Khan and produced by Gil Netter. Based on the novel “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” by Kate DiCamillo, the film’s screenplay is by Brad Copeland. Katterli Frauenfelder and James Powers served as executive producers.
Flora & Ulysses Trailer
Disney’s “Flora & Ulysses” will be available exclusively on Disney+ (where Disney+ is available) beginning February 19, 2021.
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