Saving Flora

I love animal movies but this was just an average film (with great scenery and decent acting). Much of the film was hard to "buy in to" though. Jenna Ortega is a fine young actor and I'm confident she'll make better films in the future. Recommended, but don't go in with high expectations.

Jenna Ortega: "I could give a F about a guy named Oscar! I'm saving this elephant..." The Academy Awards: *looking slightly ashamed with existential anguish and questioning every decision they've ever made in life* "Yes Ma'am, we're so sorry Ma'am, we didn't know-" Jenna: "Whatever, I said I don't care. I'll see you in a few years. I hope you get your act together." The Academy Awards: "...Wait!" Flora: *trumpet sounds* Jenna: "Excuse me, but I hear my name being called. I have work to do." Reporters: "Jenna!? Miss Ortega!?! Jenna!!! What's next Jenna???" Jenna: *thinks for a moment* "Monday, Tuesday? Wednesday? Maybe Heaven... or maybe HELL."

Don't worry, F stands for Flora.

And this... is a movie everyone can enjoy.

(Flora and fauna alike.)

Saving Flora, cute movie with that charming indie feel yet seriously bogged down by Tom Arnold's character and all of his scenes could face been cut out and left a solid movie. The rest if the cast including Jenna was really good. Cinematography and editing was decent, direction was okay, seeing as how it was from what I believe to be a first time director in his only big work to date. But the true star of the film is Tai the elephant. At 53 steals the show. And though I'm not a huge fan of animal movies, but this one stars clear of the obl8gatory fart jokes and silly animal tropes so many others fall for. Definitely a family film for a chill Saturday night.

I find it funny how at the end of her journey Dawn still looks in perfect shape despite being on the road for a week in extremely harsh conditions. Her hair is still brushed and clean, face moisturized, clothes in relatively clean condition, and she doesn't look famished at all even though we never see her eat or drink anything. I know this is just movie magic and I'm not supposed to think this hard about it but idk. It's kinda funny.

I find it funny how at the end of her journey Dawn still looks in perfect shape despite being on the road for a week in extremely harsh conditions. Her hair is still brushed and clean, face moisturized, clothes in relatively clean condition, and she doesn't look famished at all even though we never see her eat or drink anything. I know this is just movie magic and I'm not supposed to think this hard about it but idk. It's kinda funny.

This is an enjoyable movie that is perfect for the whole family to watch. Yes, it's not going to win any awards but the acting is descent and the story was uplifting and entertaining. Jenna Ortega plays the adorable, and spunky, Dawn, 14-year-old daughter of a circus owner. Dawn is determined to rescue her elephant friend Flora from being euthanized now that the elephant is too old and arthritic to perform. Flora and Dawn have quite an adventure on their 300 mile journey to an elephant preserve. As Dawn's worried father is searching for them, the pair have an eventful trek making new friends, running from (some cheesy) hunters, and dealing with nature, all while teaching us about love, trust, and not giving up in what you believe in. Great for family movie night IMHO. 12/2020