Stories about animals have always fascinated adults and children. Whether it's the old generation with La Gabbianella and Il Gatto or the new generation with the Madagascar saga, the animal kingdom has always interested the public in an exceptional way. And what could possibly be the right combination of tradition and innovation if not this film? We are talking about The Unique and Insuperable Ivan, the latest title to be released on Disney +. The film is based on the children's novel of the same name written by Katherine Applegate. The writer is famous for her fantasy and adventure novels, especially the Animorphs, Remnants and Everworld sagas. The film, for which the mixed technique was used (which combines real-life CGI footage) is directed by Thea Sharrock and will come out in our country directly on Disney's streaming platform on September 11, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 crisis and the consequent closure of theaters, producers were forced to skip the release in theaters and release the film directly in digital.
A story, unfortunately, too familiar
The Unique and Insuperable Ivan it's about a “silverback” gorilla named Ivan and his animal friends (raised in captivity). Most of the story takes place inside a circus, where they all live in cages and perform daily. Ivan, initially happy and satisfied with his life, will change his mind when he will have to take care of a little baby elephant named Ruby. Due to a promise made to a dear friend, she will have to try to give the little girl freedom by escaping from the circus. To help him there will be a cute little dog named Bob (Ivan's best friend), e Julia (Ariana Greenblatt), the daughter of the circus lighting technician, with whom he shares the passion for drawing. The good gorilla will then be forced to choose between Mack, master of the circus and the one who raised it from childhood (played beautifully by Bryan Cranston), and the promise made to her friend Stella (voiced by Angelina Jolie).
A sad and melancholy story, containing few moments of fun or joy. Nothing to take away from the director and the actors who handled the situation in an excellent way. The main problem with this title is “a story that has already been heard”. The main plot could vaguely recall the aforementioned film "La Gabbianella and Il Gatto". Of course with some differences, and with the presence of human characters to make everything more "likely". The downside is that to a mature person it might sound like a story already seen and reviewed. However, a child novice with the world of cinema might like, interest and above all teach something. One of the positives is in fact the possibility of raise awareness among the little ones (but not only) about the situation of animals in zoos / circuses around the world and the importance of respect for the environment.
In short, in conclusion we can define The Only and Insuperable Ivan as a film simplee, at times discounted. Probably, a few more funny scenes would not have spoiled and would have made it more enjoyable. During the film, in fact, the only "gags" present are reserved for the stray puppy Bob (voiced by Danny DeVito). The sad and melancholy story, combined with the main theme of the tale, makes for the long-awaited happy ending one of the few breaths of fresh air (but also quite obvious). The film will be released in United States il August 21th, 2020 while, as previously mentioned, Disney + subscribers will be able to see it starting from the second weekend of September. You just have to wait to be able to fully judge the film. We, as usual, remind you to inform yourself on our pages that we will not fail to constantly update.
