Disney's Flora & Ulysses Movie Review

Matilda Lawler as Flora in FLORA & ULYSSES, exclusively on Disney+ - Image from Walt Disney Studios

Superheroes have some amazing origin stories, but maybe none more fascinating than that of Ulysses in Disney's newest movie, Flora & Ulysses - now streaming on Disney+.  We all know that superheroes have the ability to save the world, but can they save your family too?  Disney's Flora & Ulysses brings the Newberry Award winning novel of the same name to life with the acting talents of Ben Schwartz, Alyson Hannigan, and Matilda Lawler front and center.  

Flora & Ulysses Movie Review

Flora & Ulysses begins by introducing us to Flora - a 10 year old girl that loves superheroes.  As much as she wants to believe in the power of superheroes, but is also a self-proclaimed cynic.  Flora's parents have recently separated - her mom is a struggling romance novelist and her dad is a struggling comic book author who is now working in an office supply store.  One day, Flora's life changes dramatically though when she watches a squirrel get sucked up by her neighbor's robotic vacuum (yeah, you read that right).  Being the brave hero that she is, Flora rescues the squirrel and then brings him home.  But she quickly realizes that Ulysses (named after the vacuum cleaner that sucked him up), is no ordinary squirrel.  Does this squirrel have super powers?  How crazy is that idea?  And who exactly is Ulysses there to save? 

Ben Schwartz as George and Matilda Lawler as Flora in FLORA & ULYSSES, exclusively on Disney+ - Image from Walt Disney Studios

Holy Bagumba! There is so much to love about this movie, I don't even know where to begin.  We hadn't read the book before watching the movie, so I really didn't know what to expect going in to the film.  It's cute, laugh out loud funny, and full of heartwarming moments.  First of all, let's talk about Matilda Lawler.  This little rockstar is amazing!  She carries the film with her charismatic smile and perfectly timed lines.  And this character of Flora is breaking stereotypes big time for girls.  I feel like there are so many movies that celebrate boys and superheroes, but here is a girl crushing the superhero scene.  

Want to check out some of the best quotes from Disney's Flora & Ulysses? Click here!

Then there's Ben Schwartz and Alyson Hannigan as Flora's parents, George and Phyllis.  Schwartz is absolutely hysterical.  When you get to the scene where he cranks the volume on some tunes in the office supply store after hours, you'll see his comedic presence at its best.  Hannigan does a wonderful job bringing together the complex emotions of Phyllis who is trying so hard to be strong, but feels like she is failing at every turn.  

This film is delightful at every turn and I can't recommend it enough for families to enjoy together!  You won't want to miss it when Flora & Ulysses begins streaming on Disney+ February 19th! 

About Flora & Ulysses (From Walt Disney Studios / Disney+)

Disney's “Flora & Ulysses” is a delightful comedy-adventure based on the Newberry Award-winning book about 10-year- old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora's life--and her outlook--forever. "Flora & Ulysses" stars Matilda Lawler, Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz, Anna Deavere Smith, Danny Pudi, Benjamin Evans Ainsworth, Janeane Garofolo and Kate McCucci. It was directed by Lena Khan and produced by Gil Netter. Based on the novel "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo, the film's screenplay is by Brad Copeland. Katterli Frauenfelder and James Powers served as executive producers.