Ferdinand is big and people think because of his size he will be something. But there is a lot more to him than just being big, just like me. But there’s a lot more to him than just being big. ~ John Cena
When thinking of John Cena, thoughts immediately turn to the globally recognized wrestler that body slams his foes before issuing his mocking, “you can’t see me” proclamation. But outside of the ring, Cena wants fans to know that a gentler soul lives inside him and now, with the animated film Ferdinand, that part of his personality is front and center.
Stepping out of the WWE ring Cena stars as the voice of Ferdinand, the beloved bull of the 1936 Munroe Leaf story that prefers to spend his days sniffing flowers on the countryside instead of working as a vicious fighting bull.
As the story opens, it’s clear that Ferdinand isn’t like the other bulls and finds him being teased for his non-aggressive approach to life. Running away to escape the daily shaming of his peers, Ferdinand is taken in by a loving farmer and his daughter. Despite their repeated warnings Ferdinand leaves the farm, is mistaken for a vicious beast, and forced into life he always dreaded. Desperate to return home, Ferdinand enlists the help of a motley crew of new friends that he unintentionally inspires along the way, while remaining true to his character.
Audiences and fans of Cena will expect glimpses of his wrestling persona dotted throughout the film, but the WWE superstar emphasizes there is a bigger message to be taken away. One of not being ashamed to be yourself and what you see isn’t always what you get.
I want kids to enjoy it and have a fun time but I also think if you try to force feed a lesson to someone the first thing they are going to do is back down. From Ferdinand’s perspective the take away is don’t be afraid to be yourself. What you see isn’t necessarily what you always what you get, and it’s more to a person than first impression.
Joined by a diverse and talented cast, the film cleverly sends the message that men who are sensitive and non-aggressive should by no means be considered weak or less than.
Starring alongside Cena:
Kate McKinnon (Lupe), Daveed Diggs (Dos), Michelle Rodrigue (Una), Flula Borg (Hans), Boris Kudjoe (Klaus), Jerrod Carmichael (Paco), Anthony Anderson (Bones), Miguel Angel Silvestre (El Primero), Gabriel Iglesias (Cuatro)
We do not speak of “Tres” *makes sign of cross*
BSO Grade: B
Ferdinand opens everywhere December 15, 2017