Flora and Ulysses hits the small screen on Disney Plus
Everybody needs a hero. Especially girls like Flora (Matilda Lawler). A self-proclaimed cynic, Flora is wise beyond her years at 10. But her heart hurts like any kid’s would, feeling helpless as she watches her parents’ separation and the pain they endure as a result.
Based on beloved author Kate DiCamillo’s book of the same title, the live-action Flora and Ulysses has hit the small screen on Disney Plus. DiCamillo’s previous works adapted into movies include the live-action Because of Winn Dixie and the animated Tale of Despereaux. She loves featuring persevering animals who discover their greatness, usually with the help of humans.
A squirrel achieves the impossible: greatness
Back to Flora. Kids can be heroic in unique ways. Ways that adults can never fathom. In Flora’s case, it’s saving a squirrel’s life by giving him CPR. Through her bravery and quick thinking, she recognizes a spark in an adorable but, on the surface, unremarkable rodent. And she’s determined not to let this spark die. When the squirrel comes to, she names him Ulysses.
Ulysses, a hero of Greek mythology, endures countless adventures on the high seas in order to return home. Ulysses the squirrel needs a homecoming of a different kind, he needs a purpose. The reason? Ulysses is a superhero, at least according to Flora.
Ulysses isn’t exactly a Marvel-caliber superhero, but he’s pretty amazing for a squirrel. He writes poetry (never failing to mention his hunger situation). In spite of his penchant for wreaking havoc, he sparks something in Flora that she hasn’t felt in a long time…hope. She just needed a friend, and she finds one through Ulysses.
And through her adventures, she makes friends of the human variety as well, including William (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), a young neighbor. Like Flora, the adults in his life confound him. He escapes his pain by adopting a British accent and insisting he has “hysterical” blindness.
Even Flora’s parents (Ben Schwartz and Alyson Hannigan) eventually see the superhero spark in Ulysses. Losing hope had torn them apart. Finding it again means (spoiler alert!) a happy ending for Flora.
Plan your family movie night
Be prepared for some expert seamless animation for Ulysses that will have you convinced he’s every bit as real as Flora. An excellent choice for your family movie night on the device of your choice via the Disney Plus app. And be sure to add the book to your bedtime story or summer reading list.
