Review: The Good Dinosaur

Our JP checks out and reviews “The Good Dinosaur,” the latest 3D computer-animated adventure film from Pixar Animation Studios.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Pixar Animation Studios)

Opened Wednesday, November 25
Voice Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Marcus Scribner, Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Steve Zahn, AJ Buckley, Anna Paquin, Sam Elliott
Director: Peter Sohn
Producer: Denise Ream

Studio Synopsis:
“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

J.P.’s Take:

The “good” folks at Pixar animation studios are masters at producing thought provoking animated features. They excel at providing parents and children alike with fun filled adventures and life parables that stoke the imagination …which is why I’m a bit disappointed with “The Good Dinosaur,” as its narrative doesn’t inspire the same heartwarming excursion as their previous outings.

Part of the blame falls upon the mishaps that plagued production from day one. The other problem is its mixed-matched plot summery. Many of the ideas are stitched together from other films and genres, such as the “Jungle Book” and “Bambi” with elements of a spaghetti western thrown in for adventure sake. Yet, none of these elements feels cohesive enough to weave a compelling story — at least from an adult stand point. If you’re a toddler, you’re only concerned with the comical and visual components. The omnipresent message of perseverance in the face of adversity floats through out the film. While at the heart of the matter are messages of friendship, acceptance and family involvement become the film’s undertone. Although the messages seem ubiquitous, the meandrous way in which they are arranged leaves viewers slightly numb.

“The Good Dinosaur” does have its redeeming qualities however. One element I was truly impressed with are the stunning visuals. I’m talking photo-realistic backdrops that appear as if they come from a National Geographic magazine. The awesomely advanced and highly detailed environments are nicely contrasted against the cartoony characters. In fact, this is the most advanced looking Pixar film since I can remember. Water looked crystal clear and naturally fluid, the mountains were majestic in stature, and even the sky was vivid. All rendered in high definition 3D.

Despite Arlo’s (voiced by Raymond Ochoa) and Spot’s (Jack Bright) perilous journey back home, director/co-writer Peter Sohn and writers Meg LeFauve, Erik Benson, Kelsey Mann and Bob Peterson keep things light with kiddie aimed comedy. Their encounter with an eccentric styracosaurus named Forest Woodbush (voiced by Peter Sohn), who is adorned with various woodland animals like a shaman, proves to be one of the film’s quirkiest moments. Another notable moment is when the pair come upon a peach tree. Instead of eating the fresh peaches directly from the tree, they eat the rotted ones on the ground, which prove to hold hallucinogenic properties. This instance produced a brief stint of hilarity. Too bad, I didn’t quite feel for the characters as much I wanted to during the tragic scenes. The intent was there; just not to great empathy. Then again, this is an animation aimed at very young.

You’ll hear voices of an all-star cast of Jeffery Wright, Anna Paquin, Frances McDormand, Steve Zahn, John Ratzenberger and the commanding Sam Elliot. All of which brought vigor to their characters.

The little tikes, who are not yet old enough to brave “Jurassic World,” will be delighted to view this giddy animation. Conceptually, I felt “The Good Dinosaur” had potential; however, unfortunately it didn’t have enough steam to tell a decisive tale. Honestly, this movie may have been more satisfying had it been presented as a semi-silent one. The visuals alone spoke with out words.