Movie and Film Profile: Flora & Ulysses (2021)

Flora & Ulysses was released on Disney+ on February 19, 2021. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures in association with Netter Productions and distributed by Disney+. Based on the 2013 children’s novel “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” by Kate DiCamillo. The film was removed from Disney+ on May 26, 2023, but was later re-released digitally on September 26, 2023, on other platforms such as Amazon Prime and YouTube.

DMFE Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.50 out of 5 stars)

CAUTION: Possible Spoilers Ahead!

Flora is a comic book–loving 10-year-old who describes herself as a cynic after her parents’ separation. When her neighbor’s runaway vacuum cleaner accidentally gives a squirrel extraordinary abilities, Flora rescues the animal and names him Ulysses.

Ulysses soon demonstrates super strength, flight, and even the ability to type poetry. Believing she has discovered a real superhero, Flora sets out to protect him from an overzealous animal control officer determined to capture the “dangerous” squirrel.

As chaos unfolds, Flora’s adventure helps mend the emotional rift between her parents and restores her belief in hope and imagination. In the end, Ulysses is safely released into the wild, and the Buckman family begins a new chapter together.

The soundtrack for Flora & Ulysses containing the original score composed by Jake Monaco was released digitally on February 19, 2021 through Walt Disney Records. 

CAST & CREW

• Director: Lena Kahn
• Producer: Gil Netter
• Screenplay: Brad Copeland
• Cinematography: Andrew Dunn
• Editor: Jaime Gross
• Art Director(s): Michael Diner, Gwendolyn Margetson
• Music: Jake Monaco
• Cast: Matilda Lawler (as Flora), Alyson Hannigan (as Phyllis), Ben Schwartz (as George), Anna Deavere Smith (as Dr. Meescham), Danny Pudi (as Miller), Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (as William), Janeane Garofalo (as Marissa), Kate Micucci (as Rita), Christine Lee (as Journalist), Jesse Reid (as Chad), Javier Lacroix (as Donald), David Milchard (as Cook), Kyle Straut (as Shobo), Tori Katongo (as The Mighty Condor), Emma Oliver (as Flora 6 Years Old), Arkie Kandola (as Binders Keepers Employee), Arran Henn (as Reporter at Diner), Henry Mah (as Binders Keepers Regional Manager), Malaika Jackson (as Animal Control Tech), Shawn Robidoux (as Animal Control Tech), Kate DiCamillo (as Kate), Carolyn Yonge (as Technician), Simon Chim (as Police Officer), Rhona Rees (as Police Officer), Craig Haas (as Meter Man), Alex Kliner (as Old Man), Tracy Chow (as Comic Book Patron)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• MPAA Rating: PG
• Runtime: 95 minutes
• Sound: Dolby Digital
• Format: Color
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Genre(s): Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

BOX OFFICE (from IMDb.com)

• Budget: N/A
• Opening Weekend (U.S. & Canada): N/A
• Gross (U.S. & Canada): N/A
• Gross (Worldwide): N/A

RATINGS

• My Rating: 3.50 (out of 5)
• Rotten Tomatoes: 73% (Tomatometer) | 60% (Popcornmeter)
• Metacritic: 62 (Metascore) | 5.1 (Popcornmeter)
• IMDb: 6.2 (out of 10)
• The Movie DB: 65% (User Score)
• Letterboxd: 2.8 (out of 5)
• Combined Rating: 62.38

MY THOUGHTS

Flora & Ulysses is a sweet, optimistic adventure that is great for families with kids, fans of whimsical storytelling, or anyone who enjoys gentle humor mixed with emotional themes about hope and healing. Several scenes had me laughing out loud! The story was a bit predictable, but it can be overlooked when you consider the heartfelt messages, family-friendly appeal, and the charming premise of the story. It’s a shame Disney decided to remove this movie from Disney+!

Have you seen Flora & Ulysses? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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