The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan

2020Movie93 minEnglish

A gorilla named Ivan who’s living in a suburban shopping mall tries to piece together his past, with the help of other animals, as they hatch a plan to escape from captivity.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes37%
Metacritic44/100
Google Users81%
Director: Thea SharrockGenres: Family, Drama, Fantasy

Plot Summary

A gorilla named Ivan, who has lived for years in a comfortable cage in a mall, questions his life and memories after a new baby elephant named Ruby arrives. He collaborates with his friends to help Ruby escape the mall and find a new home. Ivan's journey is one of self-discovery and empathy as he confronts his past and embraces his true nature.

Critical Reception

The One and Only Ivan received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by audiences, particularly families. While some praised its heartwarming story and visual effects, others found its pacing and thematic depth lacking. It was noted for its gentle approach to sensitive topics and its star-studded voice cast.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotional core and the performances of its voice cast.
  • Criticized for its somewhat predictable narrative and uneven pacing.
  • Appreciated for its visual effects and its adaptation of the beloved children's book.

Google audience: Google users generally enjoyed 'The One and Only Ivan,' appreciating its touching story about friendship and animal welfare. Many found it to be a heartwarming and visually appealing film suitable for families, though some wished for a more profound exploration of the themes.

Fun Fact

The character of Ivan was brought to life through a combination of CGI, practical effects, and the vocal performance of Sam Rockwell, with animatronics used for close-up shots.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

Nothing all that fresh, but it certainly made me feel for the characters so that's always a big plus. The cast elevate the film, for sure! Bryan Cranston, no matter the nature of any role he plays, is always enjoyable and/or likeable. He...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com Artemis Fowl was the first film exclusively released on Disney+ that I put my eyes on, and it will undoubtedly end up as one of the worst m...