Shadows on the Wall | Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie

dir Cal Brunker
scr Bob Barlen, Cal Brunker
prd Laura Clunie, Jennifer Dodge, Toni Stevens
voices Carter Young, Mckenna Grace, Hayden Chamberlen, Ron Pardo, Henry Bolan, Jennifer Hudson, Terry Crews, Fortune Feimster, Jameela Jamil, Bill Nye, Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton
release UK 7.Aug.26,
US 14.Aug.26
26/Canada Paramount 1h28

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It's no coincidence that everything and everyone on-screen in these movies looks like a toy. So of course the children in the audience won't mind that it's all so plasticky. That said, the animation is actually very nicely done, with whizzy camera movies and witty editing that propel these adorable characters through lots of mildly suspenseful chaos. And this time, the adventure comes with added friendly dinosaurs.

After another daring rescue at sea, the Paw Patrol ship is caught in a storm and marooned on an uncharted island. And they're surprised to find it teeming with Jurassic-style life, as well as the resourceful castaway pup Rex (Chamberlain). After they alert the world, scientists arrive to study this fascinating place, while Patrol pup Marshall befriends a young T-rex he names Rhubarb. But he's struggling with his clumsiness, which he only sees as weakening the team. Then when their nemesis Humdinger (Pardo) arrives to plunder the island, Marshall gets a chance to prove himself.

Aimed at very young audiences, there's nothing remotely tricky about the plot. Even if everyone's life is in danger at some point, it's always understood that everything will be fine. Only a few characters are brought into the spotlight, most of the pups sit back and wait for their turn next time, so things never feel too cluttered. And there are little messages stated clearly at regular intervals, encouraging things like selflessness, tenacity and teamwork.

Meanwhile, the animation is equally unfussy. With its bright colours are gorgeous settings, it continually catches the eye with little visual gags and some clever flourishes. The pups have rather a lot of cool gadgetry that's somewhat confusing if you think about it, but it never takes over. And plucky Marshall is a cute Dalmatian who is very easy to root for as he struggles with his self-confidence. Rex is also an enjoyably lively character, never letting his canine wheelchair hold him back.

It's somewhat unclear why so many big-name stars are lending their voices to much smaller roles as people around the edges, but they provide some fun along the way. And then there's the compulsively greedy Humdinger, who puts everyone in danger by ignoring warnings as he recklessly attempts to mine diamonds on the island, triggering a volcanic eruption. This provides both a rather timely lesson and some enormous action heroics for the final act. And there are some amusing jokes in the closing scenes.

themes, violence 26.Jul.26

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