PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Review: A Diverting but Regressive Kidpic
The PAW Patrol franchise, a beloved series of animated adventures featuring a team of anthropomorphic puppies, has ventured into uncharted territory with its latest installment, "PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie." This film, a step up in ambition for the franchise, takes the pups on a journey to an island filled with dinosaurs, where they encounter a paraplegic dog named Rex and face the consequences of their actions. While the movie has its technical merits, it falls short in terms of storytelling and character development, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and a longing for more depth.
The film begins with the PAW Patrol team, led by the cheerful and interchangeable puppies, patrolling the high seas with their handler Ryder. Their mission is to put out a fire on a yacht, but a storm sends them off course, leading them to an island where dinosaurs still roam. Here, they meet Rex, a paraplegic dog who has formed a unique bond with the dinosaurs and built an elaborate treehouse. The animation and production design teams have created a visually stunning world, with vivid details and a sense of realism, but the characters themselves feel plastic and uncanny, like something out of a Margaret Keane painting.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its treatment of the tension between nature and modernity. Rex's treehouse, filled with Rube Goldberg contraptions, represents a pre-industrial lifestyle, but the film can't resist introducing shiny new gadgets and technology. This contrast between the old and the new is further emphasized by Mayor Humdinger, who, alerted to the island's diamond reserves, brings in accomplices and dynamite, causing environmental destruction. The film's politics are muddled, as the dogs, despite their noble intentions, sell out their fellow animals to news stations, and their modern gadgets are portrayed as cool and desirable.
Despite these issues, the film does manage to create some engaging action sequences, particularly during the volcanic eruption that threatens the dogs and dinosaurs alike. The film also attempts to develop Marshall, the firefighting Dalmatian, as a main character, showcasing his growth and heroism. However, the lack of adult humor and the film's simplistic, macho worldview may leave adult viewers feeling underwhelmed.
One interesting aspect of the film is its commentary on the enduring nature of children's franchises. The inclusion of a new song by Ed Sheeran for the Backstreet Boys, a group of late forties and fifties adults, serves as a reminder that all children eventually grow up. This subtle nod adds a layer of depth to the film, suggesting that the PAW Patrol franchise, like all good children's entertainment, will eventually find its place in the hearts of adults as well.
In conclusion, "PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie" is a diverting but regressive kidpic. While it has its moments of entertainment, the film's treatment of its themes and characters leaves much to be desired. The lack of depth and the muddled political messages may leave viewers feeling underwhelmed, but the film's technical merits and subtle nods to adult audiences provide a glimmer of hope for the franchise's future.
