Flora et Ulysse

The high ratings, on my part at least, are due to expectations. This is a Disney movie, and I hoped for a heart warming family flick I could enjoy with my three children, ranging in age from 10 to 17. This was just what a wanted. It's not brilliant, it's not groundbreaking, but it lovable, wholesome, lighthearted, uplifting and just plain fun.

Many aspects in this movie work surprisingly well together. The performances are great and the dialogue works. It's a love letter to all the writers and comics out there. It works for the kids and is able to make a smile on the faces from the adults. The best thing is that the leading kid feels as a kid. She's smart, but not annoying.

I'm a 40 year old middle aged single comic book nerd and I wish I had a fun family like Floras. This movie was not only entertaining but made me hope and wish every child had a fun adventure like this family. Floras father was absolutely amazing and every daughter should have a superhero dad like him. I was laughing and tearing up all at the same time. This is a great film for every family.

"Did you put your mouth on the squirrel?" "I had to." "Was he clean?" "Probably not."

"Can you point the Jack and Rose at me?"

"Holy unanticipated occurrences!"

I love when it feels like they made a movie just for me. I haven't watched something so fast after first finding out about it in forever. I didn't even know about the book of this which surprises me, 'cos I loved Kate DiCamillo's other stuff like Because of Winn-Dixie, and the setup alone would've grabbed me as it did here - but I guess it just slipped by me. When I saw the poster on Disney+ I felt like Homer Simpson and Mr Sparkle 'cos this is pretty much my Second Life avatar, a little blonde girl and her crazy squirrel. There isn't a lot more to say, I was just always going to love this, but for what it's worth it's just really well executed too, great effects and performances (especially Matilda Lawler and Alyson Hannigan). For me, an instant fave. I really needed a surprise like this today.

Within the story structure of a romantic comedy and the thematic structure of a classic children's film this feature captures the irony and sarcasm towards both themes about as well as the original Shrek film did. To be clear, this is NOT an animated feature. Rather it is a live action film with an animated character, like Pete's Dragon. The animated character now done in CGI of course.

Easter eggs galore for adult watchers from the Imperial March doorbell to the film opening with a collage of Marvel-Disney characters, yet a pile of DC comics being dumped on the table at some point.

Smart well made film. Good to watch with or without kids present. As long as you are young of mind and heart. Feel good.