The Good Dinosaur *** (2015, voices of Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Raymond Ochoa, Steve Zahn, Jack Bright) – Movie Review

An Apatosaurus boy dinosaur named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely, grunting human child friend in this pleasantly written, visually amazing but minor Pixar animation. Though it is ‘from the creators of Inside Out’, it isn’t in that class.

The story of an anthropomorphic dinosaur going on an epic journey of self-discovery and trying to get home after being separated from his family feels too cosy and over-familiar. And it leans heavily on the good-hearted but much-used themes about finding who you are, discovering your true self and identifying your true life companions, confronting your fears and realising your full capabilities.

This makes it seem a tiny little bit old-fashioned and deja-vu, and there are slow patches among the lively ones and much sentimentality to negotiate too. Everybody loves the world of dinosaurs, apparently, but saturation point is perhaps near, especially with cuddly dinosaurs. However, nothing stops Pixar’s professionalism and its astonishingly crafted images. They’ve created a breathtaking alternative world and it’s a truly lovely looking film.

Jeffrey Wright and Frances McDormand provide the voices of Poppa and Momma, Jack Bright is the voice of the friend Spot, Steve Zahn is Thunderclap, Anna Paquin is Ramsey, A.J. Buckley is Nash and Sam Elliott is Butch.

It seems to be aimed at small kids, though it is rated PG for peril, action and thematic elements. It is Pixar Animation Studios’ 16th feature.

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© Derek Winnert 2015 Movie Review

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