Movie Review: The Good Dinosaur (PG)
Trust Pixar to know how to make a grown-up cry with a show meant for kids.
Like the studio’s earlier film Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, directed by Peter Sohn, is equal parts touching, funny and awe-inspiring.
The story is simple and straightforward.
It is a coming-of-age tale about young apatosaurus Arlo (voiced by Raymond Ochoa) trying to make a mark in his family of hardworking farmer dinosaurs.
An unfortunate incident — reminiscent of Disney’s 1994 The Lion King — leads to the loss of a family member, and Arlo later gets separated from his family.
Arlo befriends a wild boy, whom he names Spot (Jack Bright), and together, they make the arduous trek back home.
Pixar prides itself in telling original stories, so this fails a little in that respect — check out The Land Before Time (1988) for a similar tale.
Yet it is witty in the way it reverses the Big Bang Theory, and having dinosaurs as civilized beings while humans are feral creatures.
The reversals make for great fun, especially when Arlo meets a family of cowboy-like tyrannosaurus led by Butch (Sam Elliott).
PHOTO: WALT DISNEY STUDIOSWhat stands out most is the picturesque scenery that is modelled after Montana and Wyoming’s landscapes.
The Good Dinosaur’s messages of developing resilience, finding courage in times of adversity and friendship will resonate with young ones and adults alike.
This animation may not be one of Pixar’s finest, but it is adorable and a beautiful work of art.
Rating: 4/5
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