PERHAPS I was all “dinosaured” out from this year’s monster hit Jurassic World, but Disney/Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur did not have me roaring its praises.
The mystery surrounding those extinct creatures from millions of years ago has fascinated generations of young boys and girls.
It is no surprise that movies about them still attract droves of people of all ages – however, as The Good Dinosaur proves, a clever script and great story are still paramount.
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READ NOWThe movie’s amusing hypothesis is that the meteor believed to have wiped out dinosaurs actually missed Earth and follows an evolved species who farm land.
Arlo (Raymond Ochoa), the youngest in his family of farming apatosaurus, struggles to fit in and live up to his older siblings’ contributions to the farm.
When his father is killed in a freak storm and he is washed away from home, Arlo must learn responsibility as he makes his way home through perilous terrain and a mixture of predators.
Possibly one of Disney/Pixar’s most straightforward stories swaps witty and imaginative storytelling for heartstring tugging.
While there are some fun moments, a few laughs and some scenes where tissues are definitely required, the signature wit is notably missing.
Time and care has clearly been put into the look of this film; the scenery often looks like actual footage.
A visual treat to be sure, but not as intellectually stimulating for adults as past efforts from the usually reliable Pixar team.
THE ESSENTIALS
The Good Dinosaur (G)
Directed by: Peter Sohn
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla
Three stars
Review by: Julian Wright
In cinemas now