Flora & Ulysses

Flora & Ulysses, directed by Lena Khan, is a 2021 release from Walt Disney Pictures that gently veers into the world of superheroes and comic book adventures while grounding itself with relatable, endearing human characters and, of course, an extraordinary furry protagonist. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning children's book of the same name penned by Kate DiCamillo, this heartwarming, family-friendly movie successfully manages to navigate the terrain between fantasy and reality, intertwining them to create an immensely enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages.

At the heart of the film’s story is ten-year-old Flora Buckman, played by the talented young actress Matilda Lawler. A self-proclaimed cynic and comic book connoisseur, Flora finds her life unexpectedly uplifted by a chance encounter with an ordinary squirrel, who she christens Ulysses. But Ulysses is anything but ordinary, as Flora soon discovers his unique abilities that set him apart from his fellow park squirrels.

The film takes us on a journey where we witness the transformative power that the lovable squirrel Ulysses brings to Flora’s life. Aside from being a kinetic and exuberant adventure, Flora & Ulysses also adds layers of meaningful drama that reflect on the challenges of navigating family dynamics.

Flora's parents, played by Ben Schwartz and Alyson Hannigan, are in the throes of a separation. Schwartz plays George Buckman, Flora's father, a struggling comic book writer, whereas Hannigan portrays Phyllis, her romance novelist mother who is in the middle of a writer's block. They each bring unique comedic moments and emotional depths to their roles, showing the parents’ own struggles and growth throughout the narrative. The family, though fractured, remains central to the film’s message, contributing significantly to its emotional core.

As Flora's adventures with Ulysses unfold, it's intriguing to see her world transform from monochrome to a riot of colors, mirroring the shift in her cynical attitude towards life. Her increasing bond with Ulysses gradually brings back the sense of wonder, adventure, and positivity to her life, causing a transformative ripple in her relationships and outlook.

Flora & Ulysses amplifies the imaginative trajectory by introducing an array of other notable characters. From Flora's neighbor, Tootie Tickham (played by the ever-charming Kate Micucci) to her temporarily blinded great-nephew, William Spiver (portrayed by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), each character wonderfully adds up to the narrative’s quirk and charm, making it a lively ensemble cast. They all become a part of Flora's world, getting caught up in her whirlwind mission to protect Ulysses and prove his superpowers to the world.

What sets apart Flora & Ulysses is its laid-back approach to the fantastical elements. The film grants Ulysses a range of superhero abilities but balances this with an ample dose of gentle humor that keeps the storyline grounded and believable. The effects for Ulysses are brilliantly executed, making him one of the most endearing digital creatures in recent film history.

The film also delves heavily into comic book culture, merging elements of comic strip panels into cinematic storytelling. This serves as a homage to superhero comics that Flora ardently treasures, adding a layer of meta-textual enjoyment for comic book enthusiasts while keeping it appealing to those unacquainted with the medium.

Flora & Ulysses is thoroughly enjoyable for its refreshing take on the superhero genre, blending in elements of family comedy and drama. It boasts a strong performance from its young lead, Matilda Lawler, who is tasked with selling the reality of her extraordinary furry friend, a challenge she meets with charm and grace. Ben Schwartz and Alyson Hannigan, who are no strangers to comedy, provide excellent support, with their performances adding to the film's emotional heart.

Ultimately, Flora & Ulysses is a film that takes us on a delightful ride, spotlighting the struggles of life while instilling a sense of hope, love, and positivity. It's a superhero adventure story that reveals the real superhero in us all – the ability to love, brave the odds, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary.