I know what you are thinking, but do not worry. I, too, am always skeptical when anyone puts an animated animal in a live-action movie. Luckily, Flora & Ulysses is not a talking animal movie. Sure, we do have a superhero squirrel, but he manages to express himself in non-verbal ways, and that makes all the difference.
Flora & Ulysses, based on Kate DiCamillo’s award-winning children’s novel of the same name, begins with Ulysses’ (the squirrel) origin story. Apparently getting run over by a robotic vacuum cleaner gives you superpowers. Who knew? Cynical ten-year-old Flora Buckman (Matilda Lawler) rescues Ulysses, providing her with just the distraction she needs as she struggles with her parents’ separation.
Mom Phyllis Buckman (Alyson Hannigan), the lollipop-sucking and slightly manic romance novelist, and Dad George (Ben Schwartz), the failed comic book author turned office supply store clerk, are delightful. Hannigan and Schwartz each bring plenty of warmth and humor to their roles. While both parents have their quirks, they leave much of the silliness in Flora & Ulysses to the secondary characters.
Squirrels are not your typical pet, so here the bad guy comes in the form of an animal control officer (Danny Pudi) determined to capture and euthanize Ulysses. Pudi attacks the over-the-top physical comedy demands of his role with gusto. He also has a drive to capture Ulysses that might not be a copy of Bill Murray in Caddyshack, but at least nods towards him.
Although the film plays around with superhero themes, family creates the true heart of the story. The comic book characters and hero squirrel are merely the catalysts bringing the family together. That does not mean that director Lena Khan did not have fun with some superhero inspiration. Flora & Ulysses utilizes a comic dot-style animation to create transitions throughout the film. This being a Disney property, Khan also threw in as many Marvel and Star Wars references as she could fit.
While not perfect, the animation used to create Ulysses is good enough to create a truly endearing character. The fact that he does not speak probably helps significantly in keeping him out of the uncanny valley where so many photo-realistically animated animals tend to fall. Instead, we get a squirrel who mostly looks and acts like any old squirrel you’d find in your backyard—at least until the superhero actions kick into gear.
With Flora & Ulysses, we get that unicorn of a movie that has appeal for the whole family. It has enough humor to entertain the adults, with plenty of slapstick to keep even the littlest viewer engaged. Be aware, however, the film does address mature topics like divorce and animal euthanasia. There is also a little mild animal and human violence that is played for laughs.
While you do not get the flash and bang of mega-budget films meant for the big screen, Flora & Ulysses has enough charm and heart to make up for any missing razzle-dazzle.
Flora & Ulysses is streaming exclusively on Disney+ beginning on February 19, 2021.
About Flora & Ulysses
Runtime: 1 hr 35 min
Rating: PG
The film is 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.