Flora and Ulysses is the latest story brought to life by Disney+. Based on the Newberry Medal story written by Kate DiCamillio Newberry Medal, it is more than a story about a girl and squirrel.
Flora (Matilda Lawler) is a curios girl who realizes that her love of comic book superheroes is fading. This love was fueled by her father, George (Ben Schwartz), a comic artist whose superhero creations never took off. This left him in a funk that ultimately affected his marriage and livelihood. Phyllis (Alyson Hannigan), a romance novelist and Flora's mom is trying to conquer writers block as a result of all that is happening at home.
The story begins to take off as Flora observes a squirrel becomes inhaled by a rogue robot vacuum cleaners. With quick action she rescues the squirrel using mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and later names him Ulysses. She decides to bring him indoors and he creates a mess.
Flora befriends an unexpected friend, William Spiver (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) who has an intermittent Britsh accent and impaired vision. The two set out to save Ulysses from the jaws of the animal control. Squirrels have no sense of how to behave inside and it shows during an outing that gets everyone in an uproar.
Children of all ages will love the comic relief but girls will appreciate seeing the super hero in Flora. She is bold and stands for what she believes. This film expands on empathy for animals and will ultimately inspire your child to support the SPCA and/or become a veterinarian.
It is a great film to watch with the family as there are very few instances that might evoke an adult's response. Pay attention when the mom is interviewed for the romance book magazine and when Flora visits her dad at his job. It is a moment that will probably go over your child's head just be prepared just in case.
My daughter read the book in third grade and really loved it. I am excited to offer a book giveaway for you family to bring it home. Just comment which part of the story, you think your family will enjoy most. Winner will be announced on March 1, 2021. Best of luck. You can also purchased the book today if you prefer not to wait.
Disclosure: No monetary compensation was provided for this post. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are not affiliated with this giveaway. No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents only.
MPAA Rating: PG.
Running time: 91 MIN.
Streaming Date: February 19, 2021
Production: A Disney Plus release of a Walt Disney Pictures production. Producer: Gil Netter. Executive producers: Katterli Frauenfelder, James Powers.
Crew: Director: Lena Khan. Screenplay, story: Brad Copeland, based on the novel “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” by Kate DiCamillo. Camera: Andrew Dunn. Editor: Jamie Gross. Music: Jake Monaco.
Cast: Matilda Lawler, Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Anna Deavere Smith, Danny Pudi, Benjamin Evans Ainsworth, Janeane Garofolo, Kate McCucci.
