The PAW Patrol is back with a fresh new adventure, ahead of the September school holidays. PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie is delivering a family-friendly movie that engages viewers while sneaking in an important lesson or two.
After encountering a storm at sea, the pups find themselves on an uncharted tropical island that’s inhabited by dinosaurs. This understandably draws the excitement and attention of the entire city, including eternal antagonist Mayor Humdinger. While the city’s scientists are eager to learn more about the island and its reptilian inhabitants, Humdinger is drawn by the brilliant sparkle of the motherlode of diamonds and is determined to mine every last gemstone from the base of the volcano.
Needless to say, the pups have their paws full in this movie. Thankfully, the creators have deftly handled the various story points and delivered a movie that is well-paced, filled with visual humour and backed by an upbeat soundtrack.
As is the case with the previous two theatrical movies, on top of its main storyline, The Dino Movie also offers a backstory of one of the main pups.
In The Dino Movie, the spotlight is set on Marshall the Dalmation, known in the series for his clumsiness. While his missteps are usually laughed off in the series, the movie invites a deeper look when one of his mishaps nearly ends in tragedy. It triggers a question that most kids will ask themselves when they’re growing up – can we really be worthy if we aren’t perfect?
The PAW Patrol movies seem to have a knack for the side arc – it gives viewers a break from the main storyline without distracting them from it. In fact, the side arc is woven so well into the movie that it ultimately accomplishes two things. Firstly, knowing the backstory of the pup offers a more satisfying payoff when they do step up. Secondly, it strengthens the “moral of the story” for the spotlighted pup.
The Dino Movie shows that Marshall’s mistakes can be costly but by the end, proves that perseverance is a much more valuable commodity. If you ever need backup for a teaching moment, this movie is it. It also lives up to the second half of the PAW Patrol ethos: No job is too big, no pup is too small.
This ethos is further reinforced by the inclusion of Rex. Rex is a Bernese Mountain dog who was stranded on the island as a pup. In a win for representation, Rex happens to be in a wheelchair.
The wheelchair is never portrayed as an impediment. Not only does Rex seem unbothered by his wheelchair, he’s flourishing on the island – he’s built a massive treehouse that I wish was real, plays tour guide while paragliding and navigates the untamed jungle with ease.
Some might argue that this portrayal downplays the lived experience of people in wheelchairs – from inaccessible venues due to lack of ramps and elevators to the sense of entitlement some non-disabled people feel over stealing an ACROD parking spot. And that’s just the surface level challenges that make the headlines.
However, in the context of a children’s movie that’s based on a series that’s aimed at preschoolers, The Dino Movie offers a vital takeaway – that a disability is not a defining characteristic and it does not stop you from doing and achieving what you want. Additionally, the team’s reaction and treatment of Rex nudges kids to look beyond the wheelchair and see Rex for who he really is – an upbeat go-getter who is also a kind and caring friend.
The Dino Movie doesn’t just try, it succeeds at portraying Rex as an equal. In doing so, it provides the baby steps that will lay the foundation for revisiting the topic of inclusion in adolescence and beyond. At this stage of life, children need to build self-confidence and respect for others, regardless of personal circumstances. If we can’t get children comfortable in their own skin or instill the value of equality for all, how can we expect them to confidently advocate for their peers as adults?
Beyond offering a solid movie choice for children, The Dino Movie doesn’t forget the parents who have to take the kids to the movies.
As an adult, I loved spotting all the cameos. I chuckled seeing Snoop Dogg play a CAT owner. Bill Nye the Science Guy’s cameo felt perfect among the group of scientists descending on the island. I was also pleased to hear Terry Crews but disappointed that he didn’t have a meatier role in the movie. If I had to point to a fault in this movie, it is the scriptwriters not taking advantage of Crews’ unique voice talent and energy.
Another potential trigger for die-hard PAW Patrol fans is the mangled continuity between this movie and its predecessors. My son was disappointed that he didn’t see Liberty – a dachshund that was introduced in the first movie and returned for the second one. Similarly, Rex isn’t actually a new character – he was introduced in the TV series years ago with a different origin story.
However, the jumbled timeline can be forgiven seeing how preschoolers don’t necessarily stick to chronological order when watching their favourite TV show or movie. It is handy to know though, if your child was expecting Liberty or a brand new character.
Overall, this is a children’s movie that entertains and provides food for thought – that’s a rarity and The Dino Movie should be applauded for it. I would happily add this movie on rotation in our family library – whether I’m watching it with my son or solo.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie opens in cinemas nationwide on 10th September.