Right off Exit 8 is a place that once used to draw in viewers from around the country: the Big Top Mall, featuring the amazing and stupendous Ivan the Great.
A silverback gorilla, Ivan was rescued from poachers in Central Africa and transported to the United States where he was adopted by the loving, inventive Mack. And although Ivan lived his young years following Mack around wherever he went, he soon became too wild to stay in Mack’s home.
So, Mack had an idea: Why not make a mini circus featuring Ivan as the star of the show. And shine he did. People came from all over to hear Ivan’s ferocious roars and growls, to see a rabbit in a firetruck, a seal bounce a ball, an elephant perform tricks, a show dog strut her stuff and a chicken play baseball.
Business was good for a long time. But animal acts only last so long.
Now, Mack needs something new. Something big. And while a new baby elephant named Ruby might do the trick, what people really want is a gorilla that can draw.
But what once used to thrill Ivan soon becomes too much to bear as he recalls his days of freedom. The lure of the lights is tempting, yes, but so is the call of the wild for Ivan and his talking animal friends.
George, a show helper, has a young daughter named Julia who is the heart of this film. Julia loves and encourages all of the animals. She especially encourages Ivan to draw and sees his potential. She tells Ivan that art can be used to paint a picture of how you’d like life to appear to give you hope when your dreams aren’t yet a reality. [Spoiler Warning] Julia is responsible for Ivan’s freedom, as well as the freedom for the rest of the animals, which is depicted as a kind act in this story.
Mack, although he shows signs of stress and frustration throughout the film, truly loves the animals. He and Ivan have a special bond. When Ivan was young, Mack took him in and cared for him like a child. It is clear that Mack deeply loves Ivan.
Stella, known as the Wise Elephant, teaches Ivan and her friends that although humans seem to only see animals in certain ways, not all humans are bad. In fact, they often surprise you. Stella also urges Ivan to protect Ruby and to fight for her freedom.
Ivan, once he warms up to Ruby and lets go of his jealousy, proves to be a great protector. Ivan risks his life to give his friends freedom. He even tells Ruby she is smart and brave and that she’s at her best when she acts like herself.
Ivan shares that his father was also a wise protector, a gorilla who went to great lengths on behalf of others, even sacrificing his life for Ivan. Once, his father taught him that “anger is precious,” saying that it must be used to maintain order, not “just because.”
Bob the dog encourages Ivan, reminding him constantly that he is “Ivan the Great” and that he must remember this to succeed. Bob also pushes Ivan out of his comfort zone.
While looking up at the sky, Bob the dog and Ivan both comment that a deceased animal friend is “up there” looking down.
None.
Bob tells Ivan that he’d nip a young girl in the nose if she wasn’t so cute. He also asks Ivan how he’s able to channel so much rage, as if there are pins in his feet. Bob recalls a time he nearly drowned.
A rabbit says he’ll blast back the police with his water gun, right before nearly getting run over by a car. We hear a gunshot as a poacher shoots a gorilla.
Bob calls a security guard a “loser” and calls humans “the worst.” He also urges Ivan to tell Ruby a story to “shut her up.” A seal calls a ball “stupid,” and someone exclaims, “What the heck!”
None.
When young Ruby arrives, Ivan is mean to her and is evidently jealous that she’ll be the new headliner. Mack gets frustrated with Ruby, scaring those around him, including Ruby. Julia tells Ivan that her mom is ill.
Bob the dog shares that he doesn’t trust humans because he was abandoned by his human owners. A security guard passes out from fear. Ruby sneezes all over Mack after he is harsh with her.
Bob passes gas and makes a joke about it. Bob also licks himself, prompting Ivan to comment on how the dog “sure makes himself at home.”
Based on the beloved 2012 children’s novel by K.A. Applegate, The One and Only Ivan is a talking animal tale about discovery, freedom and love told from the point of view of Ivan the Silverback.
Landing on Disney+, this tear-jerking, live-action, PG-rated film appeals to animal admirers as it teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, perseverance and genuine love for those around you.
There are a few untamed elements, such as learning about Ivan’s life in captivity, a bit of potty humor and some mild name-calling. But this lovely film’s minor blemishes don’t mar the positive, family-friendly lessons at the heart of this unfettered story.
Kristin Smith joined the Plugged In team in 2017. Formerly a Spanish and English teacher, Kristin loves reading literature and eating authentic Mexican tacos. She and her husband, Eddy, love raising their children Judah and Selah. Kristin also has a deep affection for coffee, music, her dog (Cali) and cat (Aslan).
