Movie Review: The Good Dinosaur

A second release from Pixar this year, The Good Dinosaur have a simple, predictable plot that bears striking similarities with other past animations: The Land Before Time (1988), The Lion King (1994), How to Train Your Dragon (2010) and Walking with Dinosaurs (2013). Many were disappointed with the simplicity and familiarity of the plot, considering the fact that it's a Pixar film. Many have even tried to compare this film with Inside Out, Pixar's first release this year. But who says that simple can't be spectacular? Personally it feels unfair to make such comparison as each film has its own merit.

The Good Dinosaur is an emotionally engaging film that can both entertain and touches your heart. There are some truly emotional moments in the film that delivers some meaningful life messages to our younger generation. These moments, range from touching to tragic, will surely move you to tears. The film is based on a simple premise where the asteroid that supposedly killed off the dinosaurs doesn't hit Earth and the dinosaurs continue to roam free and alive. After millions of years later, primitive humans and dinosaurs co-existed together with the latter remains on top of the food chain.

The story focuses on the seemingly unusual friendship bond between an Apatosaurus named Arlo and a human cave-boy named Spot. After a series of events that leave Arlo separated from his family, Arlo must embark on a dangerous road journey back home with his unlikely human friend, Spot while meeting with other good and bad dinosaurs like T-Rexes, a pack of velociraptors, a styracosaurus, pterodactyls along the way.

The bond that slowly developed between Arlo and Spot throughout the journey is the best part of the film. The Good Dinosaur features similar themes of love, friendship, kindness, hope and courage to overcome life's challenges. Moreover, the animation in The Good Dinosaur is awe-inspiring. The landscapes depicted throughout the film are jaw-droppingly beautiful and realistic.

The Good Dinosaur is meant for the kids and some adults who can see its worth. It is by no means a bad film as many claimed it to be. It might be lacking in originality and creativity we've come to expect from Pixar, but it's still a fun, enjoyable, emotional ride for the family.

Pixar short film: Sanjay's Super Team - an animated short about a young boy daydreams of Hindu deities as superheroes!

Rating: 8/10