The One and Only Ivan (Exclusive Mini Review Series) (Disney Plus)

Initial release date: August 21, 2020

Studios: Walt Disney Pictures

Plot: A gorilla named Ivan tries to piece together his past with the help of an elephant named Stella as they hatch a plan to escape from captivity.

Cast

Sam Rockwell (Trolls World Your; Richard Jewell) - Ivan

Bryan Cranston (Showtime’s Your Honor) - Mack

Philipa Soo (The Broken Hearts Gallery; Hamilton) - Thelma

Chaka Khan - Henrietta

Mike White - Frankie

Ron Funches (Trolls World Tour) - Murphy

Angelina Jolie (Those Who Wish Me Dead) - Stella

Helen Mirren (The Good Liar; upcoming F9) - Snickers

Danny DeVito (Jumanji: The Next Level) - Bob

Ariana Greenblatt - (Scoob; Love and Monsters) - Julia

Ramon Rodriguez (Megan Leavey) - George

Brooklynn Prince (The Turning; The Angry Birds Movie 2) - Ruby

Writer(s): Mike White (Pitch Perfect 3; The Emoji Movie)

Katherine Applegate (book)

Director: Thea Sharrock (Me Before You)

Rated PG for mild thematic elements (95 min)

‘The One and Only Ivan’ is a sweet, little family feature that kids will really enjoy. From the circus setting to all of the animals that are featured, there are quite a few things that the little ones will really love in this movie.

The CG imagery is very well-done and the movie’s story is of great Disney quality. The Disney Plus Original also delivers some heart-felt moments and a few that can be a little sad. ‘Ivan’ actually reminds me of the old-fashioned family movies that Disney used to make years ago.

Overall, ‘The One and Only Ivan’ is a wonderful, touching family movie that can also be very inspiring. The ending can definitely be a little emotional, yet also heart-warming at the same time.

Also, after the movie ends, you get to see some facts about the real Ivan along with some images and video footage of the real Ivan as well.

Here are some interesting tidbits about ‘The One and Only Ivan’:

• The movie and book are based on the life of an actual Western Lowland Gorilla named Ivan. The real Ivan did live at the B & I Amusement Center in Tacoma, WA for 27 years after being a pet for six years. When protests ceased the animals on display at the amusement center, Ivan went to live at Zoo Atlanta where he had a much different life.

• One of producer Allison Shearmur’s final movies before her death in 2018. This movie and ‘Chaos Walking’ are dedicated in her memory.

• This is the first Disney Plus live action/animated hybrid film to be rated PG by the MPA.

• There is a drastic departure from the story in the form of the animals escaping the mall and walking across the street. This scene was never in the original novel.

• On April 9, 2014, it was announced that Disney was set to adapt the book.

• Principal photography began on May 1, 2018, in Lakeland, Florida, with locations for the film including the Southgate Shopping Center and Resurrection Catholic Church.

• The film was originally scheduled for a theatrical release on August 14, 2020. Due to the impact of the pandemic, the film’s theatrical release was cancelled and it was exclusively released on Disney Plus on August 21, 2020.

• In November, Variety reported the film was the 27th most watched straight to streaming title of 2020 up to that point.

• ‘The One and Only Ivan’ is a 2012 children’s novel written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Patricia Castelao.

• It;s about a silverback gorilla named Ivan who lived in a cage at the mall, and is written from Ivan’s POV.

• In 2013, it was named the winner of the Newberry Medal. It has won several other awards and is currently nominated to several reading lists.

• It was followed in 2020 by ‘The One and Only Bob,’ presented from the POV of Ivan’s best friend, the dog Bob.