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Last weekend I took some time out to relax with my youngest. Her choice: “The One and Only Ivan,” courtesy of Disney+. It’s a heartwarming story, based on real life, of a silverback gorilla, Ivan, raised in captivity and the center showcase of an oddly placed roadside circus – a big top plunked in the middle of dying mall. The circus is struggling to stay afloat, despite the dedicated family of animal performers – an elegant elephant, a rabbit that drives a firetruck, a neurotic seal and a chicken that plays baseball plus a pampered pooch – and the somewhat vain but loving ringmaster Mack (Bryan Cranston).
A new addition of baby elephant Ruby prompts memories for both Ivan and Stella, the fading older elephant, who wrings a promise from Ivan to return Ruby to the wild so she can live free. Their adventure and the path there is as sweet and as wholesome as it comes, and it got us chatting about other not necessarily animated animal movies that we love. Here’s a short list to get your own conversation started:
“Charlotte’s Web” – Yes, the animated 1973 version remains a classic, but the 2006 reboot stands on its own four (or eight) feet. It stars an adorable Dakota Fanning as Fern, with Charlotte voiced by Julia Roberts and Dominic Scott Kay voicing Wilbur, the luminous and spectacular pig who must be saved from the farmer’s axe.
“The Adventures of Milo and Otis” – Picture this: A curious orange kitten (Milo) gets himself into trouble, and right by his side is his best friend Otis, a pug pup. There’s no doggie dialog or cat commentary: The animals’ misadventures are comically chronicled by the Narrator (Dudley Moore) and suitable for all audiences. This film got its start for Japanese TV.
James Cromwell (as Farmer Arthur Hoggett) in “Babe.” (Universal Pictures photo).
“Babe” – This sweet Australian film is another that crossed an ocean to become a family favorite. The titular Babe is a piglet turned cattle herder – a sheepdog in pig’s clothing. Separated from his family, Babe makes friends with the farm dog and learns his ways, amazing Farmer (James Cromwell) and Mrs. Hoggett in the process.
“Hotel for Dogs” – Andi and brother Bruce have a dog named Friday, but their new guardians have a no-pets policy. What are a couple of pooch-loving kids to do? Find a curiously safe but abandoned hotel and begin accepting Rover reservations, of course. It’s wildly improbable bubble-gum fun, but who can resist the doggos?
“Best in Show” – OK, maybe not all animal movies cater to kids, and although it’s not entirely about the animals, I thought this Christopher Guest mockumentary deserved an honorable mention. It’s all about the highly competitive world of dog shows, featuring an ensemble of memorable characters riding on the fluffed and tucked tails of their champion (or wannabe champion) purebloods.
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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