Watch The One and Only Ivan
- PG
- 2020
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6.6 (13,612)
The One and Only Ivan is a 2020 American family fantasy drama film directed by Thea Sharrock and based on the children's novel of the same name by K. A. Applegate. The movie is produced by Walt Disney Pictures and stars a fantastic cast of actors such as Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Phillipa Soo, and others. The movie is set in a shopping mall called the Big Top Mall in suburban America. The story revolves around Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in the mall with his animal friends, who are also performers in the circus. Ivan's life is relatively straightforward, consisting of performing in shows, hanging out with his animal friends, and painting. Ivan's owner, Mack, an irresponsible and greedy man, is always looking to make a profit, so he continues to exploit the animals by forcing them to perform in his circus shows.
Ivan is not happy with his life in captivity and remembers his past in the forest. Ivan also dreams of living free and being with his family. His desire to leave the mall is stronger when he befriends a baby elephant called Ruby, who is separated from her family and is also kept in captivity. Ivan can't bear to see Ruby in misery, so he decides to help her find a better life.
The conflict in the movie arises when Ruby gets sick, and Ivan is desperate to get her out of the mall and to a veterinarian for medical attention. But, Mack doesn't want to lose his star performers and refuses to let Ivan and his friends leave. Ivan becomes determined to fight for his freedom and the freedom of the other animals in captivity. He uses his painting skills to create a plan to attract the attention of people outside the mall to help him and his friends escape the Big Top Mall.
Sam Rockwell plays the role of Ivan, and he brings the character to life with his voice acting skills. He portrays Ivan as a gentle but brave gorilla who is conflicted by two worlds - his old life in the jungle and his life in captivity. Rockwell's performance is heartfelt, and he does an excellent job of conveying the emotions of Ivan through his voice.
Bryan Cranston plays the role of Mack, the cruel and negligent owner of the mall. Cranston's performance is one that people will love to hate. His portrayal of Mack is believable, and he manages to capture the greed and selfishness of the character accurately.
Phillipa Soo plays a zookeeper who believes in Ivan and his dreams. Her character is essential in the story because she helps Ivan and his friends bring attention to their captivity and fight for their rights. Soo brings grace and kindness to her character, and her performance adds depth to the movie.
The CGI used in the movie is impressive, and the animals look real and lifelike. The animals are animated to look like they are talking, which can be jarring at first, but it's easy to get used to as the movie progresses. The soundtrack complements the movie well, and it adds a lovely touch to the scenes.
Overall, The One and Only Ivan is a movie that the whole family can enjoy. The movie has a great message, which is that animals deserve freedom and respect. The movie is heartwarming, and it will make you laugh and cry. The performances of the actors are noteworthy, and the CGI is top-notch. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves animals and wants to see a great family movie.
The One and Only Ivan is a 2020 kids & family movie. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 58.