Ferdinand – Delightful Animated Treasure
Ferdinand is a young bull who escapes from a training camp in rural Spain after his father never returns from a showdown with a matador. Adopted by a girl who lives on a farm, Ferdinand’s peaceful existence comes crashing down when the authorities return him to his former captors. With help from a wisecracking goat and three hedgehogs, the giant but gentle bovine must find a way to break free before he squares off against El Primero, the famous bullfighter who never loses. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror Kimbirly O. comments, “Along with the animation, the messages in this film are beautiful. Be yourself is the overall theme.” See her full review below.
By Kimbirly O., KIDS FIRST! Juror
Ferdinand, a book published in 1936 as Ferdinand The Bull, is now a delightful animated major motion picture from 20th Century Fox. My favorite parts of this film are the animation, especially the rain scene, and the casting.
Ferdinand is voiced by John Cena, known as a WWE pro-wrestler! Selecting Mr. Cena for this role is brilliant. His soft and calm voice brings life to a bull who is not like the rest of the herd. He is peaceful, while all the other bulls in the pen long to fight “El Primo,” Spain’s best bullfighter.
Along with the animation, 
the messages in this film are beautiful. Be yourself is the overall theme. Ferdinand helps his friends along as they seek to find out who they are, beyond their furry exteriors and reputations as bulls, and sometimes, bullies.
Ferdinand, knowing he does not want to fight in the bullring, has an 
opportunity to run away from ‘Case de Toro’ and finds a new home with a family in a neighboring town. Not only is his new home filled with love and a loving little girl, but it is also a flower farm. Flowers are Ferdinand’s favorite things! The scenes of how he grows up with the little girl and her family are precious and laugh-out-loud funny!
The sweet story of a peaceful bull takes a turn after Ferdinand mistakenly creates a mishap and gets captured. He is mistaken for a beast and sadly, recaptured and sent back to Casa del Toro. As he ultimately gets selected for the ring, the lessons he shares with his pen mates are relatable to everyone.
Like most animated films, all the animals talk and delight with their 
comical antics. The hedgehogs made me laugh out loud! The most significant surprise, as the film credits rolled, is to learn that one character, Guapo, is voiced by NFL great, retired Denver Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning! Is there anything he can’t do?
Ferdinand is a must-see for the whole family with humor throughout, great music, lessons for all and now, enjoying the adulation of awards season. Ferdinand is nominated for two Golden Globes and four Annie Awards.
