Ferdinand

This is a film that we missed when it hit the cinemas, so we saw it on DVD instead. I’m quite glad that we didn’t go out to see this because it’s quite a forgettable film.

The film centres on Ferdinand, a calf living at the Casa Del Toro academy where he is learning to become a fearless fighting bull. Ferdinand, however, would prefer to smell the flowers. Things come to a head when Ferdinand’s father is picked to fight in the bullring and, inevitably, doesn’t return. And young Ferdinand escapes…

Here’s the thing about Ferdinand. At some point I dozed off and was prodded awake some time later when my snoring became too much for the rest of the family to tolerate. When I woke up, it took a single glance at the screen to know exactly what had happened so far and what I could expect to happen next.

It really was that predictable.

There’s nothing wrong with the film, but nothing right with it either. Ferdinand is very much a by the numbers kids film about being true to yourself that leaves no lasting impression at all.

I don’t regret having seen it, but I can’t see any of us ever wanting to watch it again.

Incidentally, Ferdinand is based on a book. Disney made their own version of this story back in 1938. And here it is: