8-22-2020 7:10pm

Movie Review: The One and Only Ivan

Rick Amburgey Neighbor

Movie theaters are slowly starting to reopen. If you are hesitant to return to theaters, some great movies are still being released on streaming services. The One and Only Ivan was originally scheduled to be released in theaters, but it was released for Disney+ subscribers on Friday, Aug. 21. While some new movies cost $19.99 to rent, people only needed to be a subscriber to be able to watch The One and Only Ivan. Disney+ also released the Broadway production of Hamilton on July 2.

I am a dog lover and the thing that really made me want to watch this movie was the dog that was in the movie trailer. After watching the movie, I have to say that Bob the dog is still my favorite character in the movie. Bob is voiced by Danny DeVito, so this dog is both cute and funny. I may be a little biased since Bob is a dog, but I don't think I am the only person who felt that way. In fact, Bob is such a popular character that Katherine Applegate, the author of The One and Only Ivan, has written a sequel called The One and Only Bob.

The main character in The One and Only Ivan is Ivan, a silverback gorilla. I was surprised that the book and movie are based on a real silverback gorilla. It is surprising because Ivan has an incredible story. Sam Rockwell does a good job as the voice of Ivan.

In true Disney tradition, The One and Only Ivan is another movie that is filled with great life lessons. These animal and human characters combine to remind us the importance of friendship. The animals in the movie were kept in captivity and part of a circus. The movie also looks at the pros and cons of animals being kept in captivity. There are characters who dream of being able to live in the wild, although that sentiment isn't echoed by all of them.

Whether you are a parent wanting to discuss themes with your children or just someone who wants to watch an entertaining movie, The One and Only Ivan is a movie that people of all ages can enjoy.

The movie is rated PG.