​FILMS

the good dinosaur

The very good dinosaur.

2015 review number 191:

The Good Dinosaur: (Animated/Adventure): 76 out of 100: Pixar has had an incredible run of success since it released its first full-length feature (Toy Story) in 1995. 2015 has been a stellar year for this studio with the magnificent Inside Out followed by this prehistoric adventure. It's not as good as the first Pixar release this year but it is still entertaining nevertheless. It is quite violent for a Pixar movie and it does suffer a bit from the cutesy factor, but if you can overlook these deficiencies, you'll be in for an enjoyable time.

 

What if the meteor that struck Earth 65 million years ago didn't happen? The scenario here is man and dinosaur living together, specifically young dinosaur Arlo (Raymond Ochoa) and caveboy Spot (Jack Bright). Arlo chases after Spot after discovering that he is eating his family's stockpile of food. Spot is an orphaned boy who communicates through grunts. They become lost through their misadventures and must battle other creatures to survive. Arlo wishes to 'make his mark' and this is a chance for him to prove to his family that he is no longer a coward.

 

There are several images which might frighten young children. Considering the nature of the story where predators are hunting for their prey, that's understandable but some of these scenes do play out over an extended period. The humour is mainly extracted from the relationship between Arlo and Spot and these scenes do rely on the cutesy factor. The positives however, far outweigh the negatives.

 

Some people might complain that the story involving characters returning home is nothing new, but the way the story pans out ensures that you are engaged, riding the ups and downs that the characters endure. The theme of young individual coming of age is also one that is interesting, especially for this viewer. It provides a greater sense of empathy when done right and the likeability of Arlo helps.

 

The colours of the landscape are brought magnificently to life that it feels like you're watching a live action shot of the scenery. These visuals are a feast for the eyes. The herd wrangling scene is reminiscent of a western and the music score by Jeff and Mychael Danna brings the western genre to mind. The score is not restricted to the wild west however, with the thrills and adventures of the return home being showcased by appropriate mood music.

 

The Good Dinosaur is perfect school holiday entertainment as long as your child is not easily frightened. There's enough happening in the story and visuals for adults to enjoy, and for those who find the themes resonating for them, will find the movie all the more enjoyable.

 

Featuring the voices of Raymond Ochoa, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Steve Zahn and Sam Elliott

(101 minutes)

Parental advice: Violence

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWemtpycSG0 (Movie trailer)

 

(Reviewed on Wednesday 23rd December, 2015)

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