Flora and Ulysses - Flare Up Like A Flame

Flora and Ulysses tells the story of a cynic in the form of a little girl who meets a special squirrel. The adventures of finding the wonder in life makes for a sweet story, based on the Newbery Award-winning book. So what happens when a 10 year old girls saves a squirrel? Something quite heroic and extraordinary!

The movie introduces comic loving, independant Flora, a 10 year old little girl living her ordinary life with her parents, who are currently separated. Flora can’t help but feel like all joy and wonder is lost in the world, when hers is turned upside down. After all she is conceived it it better to never hope, only observe. One day while attempting to help her neighbor, Flora stumbles upon a squirrel who needs saving. Of course she steps right in to help save this squirrels life, only to discover the squirrel now has superpowers! Introducing Ulysses!

This is a story both parents and kids will enjoy reading and watching together. Over the course of many silly adventures, Flora & Ulysses make an unstoppable duo. I loved all of the comic book and major Marvel references in the film. There is some really great comic book content in this movie. Flora’s Dad had a few failed attempts at writing comics and brought to life some of his own incredible superheroes. Flora is obsessed with all things comics. She quickly lets her dad in on Ulysses so he can help harness his power. Helping Ulysses flare up and find his flame and meaning help this family find theirs.

Throughout the movie you will see themes of self confidence, finding the daily joys and wonder in everyday life, and that superheroes are all around us. Such small but powerful concepts. As a parent I love that this movie shows kids dealing with real issues, but that there is still good to be found and fun to be had. Even if things didn’t turn out like you had hoped. As Flora says, “I say do not hope, observe. You’ll see how much wonder the world actually has and you won’t be a cynic anymore” – Flora

This movie will teach you to flare up like a flame and find your purpose. It will show kids to never stop looking for the wonders in life. To observe the good things happening all around you. I would definitely recommend this movie for boths kids and parents.

Checkout my absolute favorite quotes from the film here!

About the Film:

Disney’s “Flora & Ulysses” is a comedy-adventure based on the Newbery 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.