'Dumbo' starting live-action adaptions for 2019, gets mixed reviews

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The live-action adaptation of Disney's iconic animated film “Dumbo,” directed by Tim Burton, was due to open on Friday.

The film was expected to win over family audiences and keep the record of Disney's success in reviving classic animated franchises. Fans are looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds when the cute and warm figure of the original “Dumbo” meets Burton, who is known for his dark and gothic style.

Still of "Dumbo". /Sina Photo

Neither fish nor fowl?

"Dumbo" got 52 a percent Tomatometer rating on review website Rotten Tomatoes.

"Dumbo is held partly aloft by Tim Burton's visual flair, but a crowded canvas and overstretched story leave this live-action remake more workmanlike than wondrous,” commented a critic.

“Neither fish nor fowl” is the consensus among some.

Not all reviews are negative. “Burton also makes ‘Dumbo' his very own; weirdly, the little elephant has more than a little in common with his best creation, ‘Edward Scissorhands,' a mocked and ridiculed outcast with an extraordinary ability and soulfully expressive eyes,” commented a fan on Rotten Tomatoes.

Although the visual style is very “Tim Burton,” the core of the story is still very “Disney.”

Still of the animated "Dumbo." /Douban Photo

Unlovely truth behind the lovely story

The animated figure “Dumbo” was created in 1941 by Walt Disney Production. It is a cute elephant who works in a circus, and was ridiculed for his unusual big ears but can fly with them.

The pathos and humor of the story led to its description as “One of Walt Disney's most charming animated films.”

Dumbo the elephant has become a household figure all over the world. But people are not that familiar with the prototype of Dumbo-"Jumbo".

Jumbo, known as the circus elephant was a male African bush elephant born in Sudan in 1860.

Photo of a report announcing Jumbo's death. /Sina File Photo

Jumbo was captured and sold to an Italian dealer after his mother was killed by hunters. He was transferred to the London Zoo, later giving rides to visitors and suffering abuse along with fame.

The name “Jumbo” was given at London Zoo, and nowadays it means big in size because of Jumbo the elephant.

Jumbo was sold to Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1882 and was killed in a train accident in 1885 in Canada.

The real story of the elephant in the circus is much crueler than Disney's movie. Dumbo managed to get back to his mother, but Jumbo died alone after suffering loneliness.

Live-action films seem pretty favorable for Disney Studio this year. Classics like “Aladdin,” and ”The Lion King” are expected.

Live-action "The Lion King." /Sina Photo‍