It’s interesting to see how John Cena is ending his WWE run with a transition into films while still being a fairly active pro wrestler. Once “The Rock” started cashing movie star checks he disappeared from WWE screens quickly; Cena stole Trainwreck from Amy Schumer and has had a number of terrific parts in larger movies over the past several years. Now comes his first dabble into animated fare as the lead with Ferdinand.
Simple premise: Ferdinand is a bull (Cena) trying to figure out his place in the world of bull fighting. Small and weak in comparison, he goes on a wacky adventure with some animal friends before a final venture into the bull fighting arena where death certainly awaits.
Based off the children’s book of the same name, it’s a children’s film at heart. There isn’t much for an adult but it’s audience isn’t anyone over the age of 12. It’s a beautiful looking film, has a fairly sufficient story and doesn’t do anything spectacular.
It’s perfectly acceptable children’s fare, nothing more.
It’s in 4k, which for an animated film is incredible. If there’s a reason to have a 4k television and DVD player, et al, it’s for animated fare. The difference is startling.
There’s a handful of children-oriented pieces on the Blu-Ray.
20th Century Fox presents Ferdinand. Directed by Carlos Saldanha. Written by Robert L. Baird, Tim Federle and Brad Copeland Story by Ron Burch, David Kidd and Don Rhymer based off the book of the same name by by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson. Starring John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez. Run Time: 108 minutes. Rated PG. Released on 3.13.18
