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Is Dumbo Kid Friendly? Dumbo Parent Movie Review

March 26, 2019 By Ashley 16 Comments

168 shares

Dumbo flies into theaters this Friday, March 29th. I screened it yesterday with my youngest and I'm here to tell you all about it. We loved it and plan to take my husband and daughter back to see it this weekend. Pretty sure we will also be stopping by our Disney Store to look for new Dumbo plushes.

Is Dumbo kid friendly? Or maybe you're thinking, Ashley, you know Tim Burton can be dark. Yes I know. Don't worry, I get into all of that plus what the PG rating means, and why I think kids need to see this film. 

Is Dumbo Kid Friendly?

First off, if the original made you tear up then you better bring tissues. The trailers for Dumbo made me cry. How could they not? Baby Mine anyone? I dabbed my eyes quite a few times during the movie, but I did not ugly cry. That could totally be because I was taking notes for you which provides a slight distraction. I'll report back after the second viewing. 

Lets address the elephant in the room, Tim Burton. I am a big fan of Burton's work. When I heard he was signed on to direct Dumbo I was like really? Dumbo? But after thinking about it, the original Dumbo isn't some lighthearted film from start to finish. The colors might be bright but it has some dark and emotional moments. So maybe Burton is the right man for the job. 

After seeing the film, I can say 100% he was perfect for this project. He balanced the dark with the light. Burton took us on a journey with a little elephant named Dumbo that had us all cheering by the end. His eye for bringing the extraordinary to life is showcased in this film. You are transported to 1919, living the circus life. From roadside sideshows to under the big top in Dreamland, you feel immersed in the experience. 

So no, it's not too dark. It's not Beetlejuice (even if it is Michael Keaton and Tim Burton) or even Batman. It's more like his take on Alice in Wonderland or Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. 

Is Dumbo Kid Friendly

Language in Dumbo

There aren't a lot of bad words used in Dumbo. In fact other than 2 uses of “hell”, nothing is said. The “S word” is started by Colin Farrell's character but everyone shushes him before he gets past the “sh.”

Is Dumbo Kid Friendly, Dumbo

PG Rating

Dumbo is rated PG for peril/action, some thematic elements, and brief mild language. I explained the brief mild language so what about the rest? If you remember from the first Dumbo, he's ridiculed, his mother gets angry, people get hurt, and ultimately Dumbo is taken from his mother and she is locked up. Pretty heavy stuff when you think about it.

This time around everything is live action. Being real makes the gravity of the various situations heavier. I would especially watch out for the scenes with Mrs. Jumbo being mistreated and the fires. My son was concerned during those moments. Good thing he was holding onto me tightly with one hand and his plush Dumbo with the other. 

Is Dumbo Kid Friendly, Dumbo

There are two deaths in the film. One happens on screen, however it is not gruesome and if your child doesn't know what a coroner is they might miss the fact this person died. The other is only mentioned when discussing what happened to the children's mother. Nothing graphic. 

If your child has watched The Jungle Book or Beauty and The Beast, then I think they will be okay with this one. It has some dark moments, like those do, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Or in this case, an adorable elephant with gorgeous blue eyes.

Final Thoughts | Why Kids Need To See Dumbo

As I mentioned above, we enjoyed the movie. Yes there are sad moments but those were to be expected. A baby taken from his mother is sad. Period. Watching any animal being mistreated at the hands of humans is heartbreaking. But the message of Dumbo is why it has remained a classic since it's debut 78 years ago. 

Inclusion and compassion. Dumbo teaches us that we need to not only accept who we are but also what makes others unique as well. Being different doesn't make you less than. A disability, physical deformities, larger than normal ears, these aren't things to fear or laugh at. It's time we take to heart the message of Dumbo- be inclusive and have compassion for all living things.

Dumbo is a shining light of love in a time when we can all use it most. 

Is Dumbo Kid Friendly, Dumbo

Download Free Dumbo Movie Activity Sheets

Keep the magic going at home with these free Dumbo printable activity sheets.

  • Dumbo Coloring Sheet
  • Dumbo Coloring Sheet 2
  • Dumbo Origami
  • Dumbo Maze
  • Dumbo Zoetrope
  • Dumbo Stickers
  • Dumbo Connect The Dots
  • Elephant Facts

Dumbo Free printable Activity Sheets, Dumbo Movie Review

Dumbo flies into theatres March 29th 2019!

new Dumbo Trailer

Get the latest Dumbo news on Facebook | Twitter #Dumbo | Instagram

 

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168 shares

Filed Under: Disney, Disney Movie, Entertainment, Film Reviews Tagged With: Disney, Disney movies, Dumbo, Dumbo Movie Review, Is Dumbo Kid Friendly, movie reviews, Parent Movie Review, Parent Review

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for Sarah BaileySarah Bailey

    March 26, 2019 at 12:13 pm

    The original Dumbo definitely made me cry and I’ll 100% have tissues ready for this version as well. I’m interested to see what Tim Burton has done with the story.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Melissa ChapmanMelissa Chapman

    March 26, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    I have been wondering about this version of the classic story and whether little kids should see it or be afraid of it. I love all those stars so I will see this soon

    Reply
  3. Avatar for NatalieNatalie

    March 26, 2019 at 12:54 pm

    This movie looks so cute, and the cinematography looks amazing! I don’t think I ever saw the original growing up. Would love to see this one!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for candycandy

    March 26, 2019 at 2:46 pm

    come on it is Dumbo and has been around for a very long time. Sure it will be fine for all ages to go, watch and enjoy.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for JeanetteJeanette

    March 26, 2019 at 3:01 pm

    Kiddo has not stopped talking about wanting to see this movie since he saw the commercial for it I am pretty sure we are definitely going to go see it. This review definitely helps me make an informed decision.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for KarenKaren

    March 26, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    I’ve always enjoyed Tim’s take on movies, with the exception of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Never quite “got it”. I appreciate your opinion on Dumbo.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for GiGi EatsGiGi Eats

    March 26, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    It looks like a cute movie but I have to be honest, I can’t even remember seeing the first one! I am glad this movie is kid appropriate! If my son was older and could appreciate movies, I would totally take him.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for DestanyDestany

    March 26, 2019 at 6:27 pm

    I have a few friends who are chomping at the bit to see this! I’ve seen a few previews over the past few months.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Amber MyersAmber Myers

    March 26, 2019 at 6:29 pm

    Oh man, I know I’ll cry when I see this movie. I cried while watching the cartoon. My kids want to see this, so I’ll probably take them. I’ll just bring many tissues.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for heatherheather

    March 26, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    I can’t wait to take my kids to see this movie. I’ve been a huge Dumbo fan since I was a kid.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Terri SteffesTerri Steffes

    March 26, 2019 at 11:59 pm

    This is on my list to see. I love Tim Burton’s work and I wouldn’t miss this. I love watching movies made from an artist’s point of view. This is going to be fabulous.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Dennis LittleyDennis Littley

    March 27, 2019 at 12:03 am

    Looks like this is a must see, at least once if the original was enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your review with us!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Ruth IRuth I

    March 27, 2019 at 11:02 am

    My niece has been asking me to watch this movie with her. I watched the cartoon and yes, it made me cry.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for SwathiSwathi

    March 27, 2019 at 10:11 pm

    My kids will love, I have to take them to Dumbo movie. I too love Elephants and loved the first movie.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Heather Barber McMechanHeather Barber McMechan

    March 28, 2019 at 12:03 am

    I’ve heard that Dumbo has it’s dar scenes and messages. I’ve never really caught the entire movie.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for rikarika

    March 28, 2019 at 1:05 am

    Sounds like a fun movie! I can’t wait to take my kids to see this movie! We love cartoon.

    Reply

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Avatar for rikaAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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