Meeting the Real Ferdinand!
Ferdinand Opens in Theaters Nationwide on December 15!
Built to Fight. Born to Love.
There was something about Ferdinand the Movie that made it especially endearing for me, a mom of boys, to watch with my sons last weekend.
We were lucky to get invited to an early screening of the movie. The film is based on The Story of Ferdinand, a book written in 1936 by American author Munro Leaf, that tells the story of a strong and robust bull who prefers to smell flowers than fight against matadors in arenas.
This was Toby's first movie theater experience which didn't go exactly as planned but we managed to stay indoors for most of the movie!
Overall, it was an adorable film that touched on several current day subjects including...wait for it.... bullying (lol), peer pressure and the idea that it's okay to look a certain way and not fit the role society expects of you. Actor John Cena is the voice behind Ferdinand!
Much to my embarrassment, Toby was skeptical about meeting actor John Cena, who voices Ferdinand. Cena was at the Gentle Barn following an early screening of Ferdinand the movie.
As a mom of two little guys, I loved the idea that a strong, valiant bull was also gentle, loving and caring. The characters, the soundtrack and the overall message definitely make this a movie worth a holiday trip to the movie theater. It has hilarious scenes, including one where Ferdinand escapes from captivity by entering a home with delicate and intricate china. The bull manages to finagle his way through the room without breaking a single dish, until the old lady who's dusting the plates mistakes Ferdinand's tale for a duster!
My two little boys are possibly like Ferdinand in the sense that they may seem a little rough and but they're also sweethearts!
Further, and much to my delight, Twentieth Century Fox Animation Studios partnered with The Gentle Barn, a Santa Clarita based animal sanctuary where farm animals are rescued and cared for.
The Gentle Barn rescued Ferdinand from what would have eventually become a trip to a slaughter house, as explained by one of the barn's volunteers. Now the young bull can enjoy a safe home at The Gentle Barn, where, the founder says Ferdinand will always have the freedom to be happy and smell the flowers!
We had the opportunity of meeting the real Ferdinand at the Gentle Barn!
I hope you make it out to the theater and watch the movie! Most importantly, try to visit the Gentle Barn and get involved with organizations that advocate animal rights. We all deserve a chance to be happy and smell the flowers!
Xoxo,
-Anabel