The Good Dinosaur begins with a "What-if" premise. A possibility that would have likely altered the course of evolution on Earth but what it does, and it does with refreshing honesty and exquisite realism, is tell a simple tale of friendship and coming-of-age.
As children, we all had fears. Some irrational, most age-driven, and as we grow older, a majority of them fade away with the loss of innocence and gain of knowledge. Each of us has that journey to take in overcoming those fears (or at least attempt to). As Arlo, the youngest of three in a family of five, is lovingly raised by Henry and Ida, he exhibits timidity bordering on paranoia, with the simplest of errands scaring him out of his wits. His father takes him on one such journey to get him out of his "comfort-zone" but in a cruel turn of events, Arlo loses both his father and his way, ending up in a completely unfamiliar region. After a series of adventures ranging from frivolous to frightening, he finally comes to face his fears in a life-or-death situation. As he walks home to reunite with his family, his mother initially calls him "Henry", a testament to the fact the boy has now returned a man (for lack of a better phrase) and is later overjoyed to watch her son return at last.
Thematically, The Good Dinosaur checks most of the right boxes - friendship, loyalty, maturity, family values, and the ability to let go and be yourself. Most of them are ably fleshed out, with some curious contrasts (the paradox of the dinosaur speaking and the wild-boy making guttural noises being especially delightful). Also, I found some similarities with The Lion King - a young member of the family in search of oneself and his place in larger scheme of things. Technically, this is a visual marvel - the stunningly realistic backgrounds, the mesmerizing use of light and perspective, the understated score by Academy Award winner Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna elevate this film significantly. I did feel that the voice cast, with notable exceptions of Raymond Ochoa as the Dinosaur and Jack Wright as the wild-boy, could have been chosen better; considering the film was plagued by production difficulties, this is probably an unintended consequence.
The biggest surprise to me was the traditional Pixar short preceding the feature presentation. Titled "Sanjay's Super Team" and focused on a middle class Indian Hindu family, the short had me and my friend (both of us are from India) spellbound and when it ended, we looked at each other, exchanging meaningful glances. I cannot say more, but those who appreciate that ethos are in for a pleasant surprise. Impressive effort from Sanjay Patel and team.
In terms of past Pixar offerings, The Good Dinosaur may not provide a convincing commentary as an Incredibles or pack as much emotional punch as Inside Out but it has its moments. It celebrates familial togetherness, embraces friendship between unlikely comrades, and educates belief in oneself. In a modern world increasingly tearing itself apart, a prehistoric parable is probably worth the entry price.
As children, we all had fears. Some irrational, most age-driven, and as we grow older, a majority of them fade away with the loss of innocence and gain of knowledge. Each of us has that journey to take in overcoming those fears (or at least attempt to). As Arlo, the youngest of three in a family of five, is lovingly raised by Henry and Ida, he exhibits timidity bordering on paranoia, with the simplest of errands scaring him out of his wits. His father takes him on one such journey to get him out of his "comfort-zone" but in a cruel turn of events, Arlo loses both his father and his way, ending up in a completely unfamiliar region. After a series of adventures ranging from frivolous to frightening, he finally comes to face his fears in a life-or-death situation. As he walks home to reunite with his family, his mother initially calls him "Henry", a testament to the fact the boy has now returned a man (for lack of a better phrase) and is later overjoyed to watch her son return at last.
Thematically, The Good Dinosaur checks most of the right boxes - friendship, loyalty, maturity, family values, and the ability to let go and be yourself. Most of them are ably fleshed out, with some curious contrasts (the paradox of the dinosaur speaking and the wild-boy making guttural noises being especially delightful). Also, I found some similarities with The Lion King - a young member of the family in search of oneself and his place in larger scheme of things. Technically, this is a visual marvel - the stunningly realistic backgrounds, the mesmerizing use of light and perspective, the understated score by Academy Award winner Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna elevate this film significantly. I did feel that the voice cast, with notable exceptions of Raymond Ochoa as the Dinosaur and Jack Wright as the wild-boy, could have been chosen better; considering the film was plagued by production difficulties, this is probably an unintended consequence.
The biggest surprise to me was the traditional Pixar short preceding the feature presentation. Titled "Sanjay's Super Team" and focused on a middle class Indian Hindu family, the short had me and my friend (both of us are from India) spellbound and when it ended, we looked at each other, exchanging meaningful glances. I cannot say more, but those who appreciate that ethos are in for a pleasant surprise. Impressive effort from Sanjay Patel and team.
In terms of past Pixar offerings, The Good Dinosaur may not provide a convincing commentary as an Incredibles or pack as much emotional punch as Inside Out but it has its moments. It celebrates familial togetherness, embraces friendship between unlikely comrades, and educates belief in oneself. In a modern world increasingly tearing itself apart, a prehistoric parable is probably worth the entry price.