The One and Only Ivan

So many movies with anthropomorphic critters these days seem to emphasize hyperactivity above all else. By contrast, The One and Only Ivan takes it nice and easy.

That might be to its detriment with impatient youngsters. But despite some formulaic tendencies, this peculiar biopic of an artistic primate is both charming and touching for moviegoers of all species.

It’s set in the early 1980s, at a suburban shopping mall where Mack (Bryan Cranston) is the ringmaster for a fledgling animal circus. His star attraction is Ivan (voiced by Sam Rockwell), a silverback gorilla who caps each performance by bellowing in rage from the balcony.

Behind the scenes, however, Ivan is a soft-spoken and contemplative father figure to his fellow performers, including his mutt sidekick Bob (Danny DeVito) and elephant Stella (Angelina Jolie), who likewise has spent decades in captivity.

When Stella and Ivan are upstaged by baby elephant Ruby (Brooklynn Prince) in a ploy to boost attendance, Ivan starts to contemplate his freedom and the precocious affinity for finger painting he discovered while growing up on the African savanna. He realizes his only chance to see the outside world again might require some daring ingenuity.

The screenplay by Mike White (School of Rock), adapted by Katherine Applegate’s acclaimed children’s novel, avoids turning Mack into an easy villain. Rather, he’s more of a kind-hearted opportunist whose neglect toward his animals stems more from a desperate attempt to keep his livelihood afloat rather than any malicious abuse.

The computer-generated creature effects aren’t distracting, although they do contribute to a playfulness that sometimes contrasts with the film’s darker true-life roots. As directed by Thea Sharrock (Me Before You), the crowd-pleasing finale is effectively staged to maximize emotional impact.

The story of the real Ivan, upon which the film is based, is detailed prior to the closing credits — both adding a layer of poignancy and revealing the film’s more generic embellishments. It is a Disney enterprise, after all, so expect the usual accompanying plush toys and fast-food marketing gimmicks.

However, smaller children should appreciate the animal antics and elements of low-brow slapstick, while accompanying adults will be grateful that such annoyances are mostly subdued.

The One and Only Ivan could certainly be more subtle about its animal-welfare message, although its title character is easy to embrace. He deserves his own planet of the apes.

Rated PG, 95 minutes.