Flora & Ulysses 2021 Movie Review

Title: Flora & Ulysses: A Whimsical Adventure Filled with Heart

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Flora & Ulysses is a delightful family film that effortlessly combines humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments. Directed by Lena Khan, the movie is an adaptation of Kate DiCamillo’s beloved children’s book. With its endearing characters and engaging storyline, this film has successfully captured the essence of childhood wonderment.

The plot revolves around Flora Buckman (Matilda Lawler), a young girl with an affinity for comic books and cynic outlook on life. When she discovers a miraculous superhero squirrel named Ulysses in her backyard, her world takes an extraordinary turn. Together with her newfound furry friend and an eccentric cast of characters including her quirky neighbor William Spiver (Benjamin Evans Ainsworth), Flora embarks on a series of misadventures full of laughter and poignant moments.

Matilda Lawler shines as Flora with her impeccable comedic timing and authentic portrayal of a strong-willed yet vulnerable young girl. She effortlessly conveys the character’s emotional journey while infusing each scene with genuine warmth. The chemistry between Lawler and Benjamin Evans Ainsworth is heartwarming to watch as they navigate their own personal challenges while simultaneously forming an endearing friendship.

Lena Khan’s direction brings out the whimsical charm of the story, ensuring that both children and adults will find themselves enchanted by this tale. The film beautifully balances slapstick humor with heartfelt emotions, providing ample entertainment for all ages.

The cinematography captures the magical essence flawlessly, using vibrant colors to transport viewers into Flora’s imaginative world. The production design further enhances this enchantment through detailed sets that perfectly capture DiCamillo’s vision from the pages onto the screen.

While not heavily reliant on special effects or grand action sequences, when employed, they seamlessly blend into the narrative. The CGI used to bring Ulysses to life is flawlessly executed, creating a believable superhero squirrel that is surprisingly endearing.

The score complements the whimsy of the film with its playful melodies and uplifting tones. It effectively enhances the emotional moments without overpowering them, allowing the audience to truly be immersed in Flora’s adventure.

The editing keeps a brisk pace, ensuring that there are no dull moments throughout the film. The dialogue, while occasionally bordering on being overly sentimental, captures the essence of DiCamillo’s heartfelt writing and adds depth to each character.

Most importantly, Flora & Ulysses manages to evoke a profound sense of joy and nostalgia. The movie celebrates friendship, imagination, and resilience in a way that resonates deeply with viewers of all ages. It reminds us all to find magic in everyday life and embrace our inner heroes.

While not without minor flaws such as occasional predictability and certain supporting characters lacking depth or development, Flora & Ulysses remains an immensely enjoyable cinematic experience that leaves you feeling uplifted long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Flora & Ulysses is an enchanting family film filled with heartwarming moments and lovable characters. Its whimsical adventure will make you laugh out loud while tugging at your heartstrings in equal measure. This movie serves as a loving reminder that there is beauty in embracing our imagination and finding extraordinary wonders even within ordinary circumstances.

Flora And Ulysses | Official Trailer | Disney+ official trailer