The Good Dinosaur Movie Review (Spoiler Free)

How would the world look today if the meteor that killed most of the dinosaurs had just passed by? Pixar’s second movie this year answers that question. 

Genre: Animation / Adventure / Comedy

Director: Peter Sohn

Cast: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Marcus Scribner, Sam Elliott, Anna Paquin, A.J. Buckley, Mandy Freund & Steve Zahn.

Run Time: 94 min.

US Release: 25 November 2015

UK Release:  27 November 2015

German Release: 26 November 2015

As stated in my previous review for Inside Out, this is my follow-up review of Pixar movies released this year. The Good Dinosaur was developed and created by Bob Peterson and Peter Sohn, who began working on the concept back in 2009. This Pixar animation went through several production issues, and was originally meant to premiere in November 2013, later pushed to May 2014, and finally released in November 2015.

That’s why I entered the theatre somewhat worried when I managed to catch a viewing on Tuesday afternoon. A film that goes through so many production troubles usually ends up being a disappointment. Thankfully, The Good Dinosaur turned out to be a fun experience. While it wasn’t as strong as Inside Out, having some clear plot issues, it was still an enjoyable film overall.

The fact that I was the only person sitting in the cinema also helped me fully enjoy the movie; no talking, no seat-kicking, and no wild, uncontrolled laughter. It was one of the best moviegoing experiences I’ve had in years.

The film takes place in a world where the dinosaurs were never wiped out by the meteor millions of years ago. Instead, they evolved into ranchers and farmers. Arlo, the youngest son in an Apatosaurus family, gets lost during an accident and must find his way home. Along the way, he meets a young human boy named Spot, and together they embark on one adventure after another.

There are several elements I really liked about this flick. The alternate reality where dinosaurs survived and evolved in a human-like manner is clever and well-developed. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it could have gone a little deeper. Overall, though, it’s a fun and delightful story, following two unlikely friends (both outcasts in their own way), who form a bond as they journey across the wilderness.

What I especially appreciated is that there’s a genuine message behind the story. It’s not just moving pictures with pseudo-meaning or misguided lessons for kids. Arlo, the young Apatosaurus, who feels disconnected from his family because of his physical and emotional struggles, has to grow beyond his fears and limitations to unlock his true potential.

My biggest issue with The Good Dinosaur is the story itself, which feels somewhat recycled from other Disney and Pixar films, reminding me of a mash-up between The Lion King and Dinosaur. At times, it even felt like an attempt to bring Disney’s TV series Dinosaurs to the big screen.

The bond between Arlo and Spot, both of whom have experienced tragedy, forms the heart and soul of this Pixar animation. Every other friendly character that appears later feels unnecessary and distracts from the central plot.

Arlo is, at first, a bit annoying. He’s afraid of everything, and while smaller children might find that endearing, I couldn’t help thinking how quickly he’d lose in a real-world setting. His fears lead him to make one dumb decision after another, getting himself into deeper trouble each time. Once he finally begins to grow braver, though, his softer and more likeable traits shine through, revealing the heart beneath his cowardly exterior.

Spot, on the other hand, represents Arlo’s missing half: when they’re together, they act as one. Although they start as rivals, it’s Spot who shows Arlo that only through teamwork can they survive the wilderness and make it home. Arlo’s father, voiced by Jeffrey Wright, is another standout character, though he reminded me a little too much of a certain Lion King figure.

Visually, The Good Dinosaur is absolutely breathtaking. The background animation looks stunningly photo-realistic, as if lifted straight from a nature documentary, especially when it comes to shots of water reflecting the mountains and trees. The dinosaurs, though more stylised and cartoony than their surroundings, are beautifully designed with incredible detail; you can even see the individual scales on their skin.

The only visual flaw is that the hyper-realistic environments sometimes clash with the cartoonish character designs. At times, it doesn’t quite feel like these creatures belong in the same world.

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Verdict: Altogether, The Good Dinosaur is an entertaining family movie. Children will love it, while adults will find moments that are touching, and at times surprisingly dark. It’s not necessarily a film that demands a cinema viewing, but if you’re planning a family movie night, I definitely recommend it. Otherwise, it’s worth waiting for the Blu-ray or DVD release. I give this Pixar animation a 7.0 out of 10.

Did you see The Good Dinosaur already? If so, what did you think? Which Pixar film is your favourite? Leave a comment below & as always, thank you for reading!