Quotes from The Good Dinosaur

Disney/Pixar has had its fair share of family classics over the years, and with that kind of currency they can be forgiven for Cars 2. Well, in the film, we learn that the dinosaurs become productive members of society that adapted to their natural surroundings.

I will immediately put all that speculation to bed.

In animated movies, landscapes are usually the last thing viewers notice, but in Disney-Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur”, they’re something to behold.

The movie, which was originated by writer-director Bob Peterson, was taken over by first-time director, and long-time animator and voice actor Sohn. But give credit where credit is due, Pixar never gave up on the project. But it’s lacking what made Pixar films so much better than the rest – their imagination. Even Rafiki has a bizaro rhino take his place. At the foot of what appears to be the Tetons, somehow a Brontosaurus couple has developed the ability to tie ropes, build shelters and farm crops.

Arlo is tasked with getting rid of the boy, but when the boy gets away, Arlo chases him and they both wind up lost.

When an accident leaves Arlo miles from his home, he must find a bravery that he’s been lacking.

Even if everything in this movie plays out rather predictably, the kids will be sucked in for the ride.

If dinosaurs were still around, there’s no doubt many of us would probably have one as a pet. Whether small and friendly to cuddle with or big and mean to scare unwelcome guests, these prehistoric animals would make great companions.

Yet Peter Sohn, the Bronx-born son of Korean immigrants, infused “Dinosaur”, his feature film directing debut, with a personal perspective. Some of the characters are definitely cute, nearly too cute, with their big eyes. After all the delays and changes, though, that feels like a bit of a letdown. As soon as you’re sucked in, that’s when they come for your tears. The film is sweet in that canned-with-heavy-syrup way: Kids will dig it, but it’s not exactly a delicacy.

“Essentially everything was scrapped”, says Denise Ream who produced The Good Dinosaur. “I revamped it”, he said, keeping the Apatosaurus (“The long neck guys are our favorites”) and streamlining the story.

“I don’t know what was wrong with me, why I had such an issue with this, but at some point I yelled at her at night, ‘If you don’t stop sucking your thumb I’m going to cut it off!'”

And for my money, “The Good Dinosaur” is better than the year’s other offering, “Inside Out”, which, to be fair, was almost universally cheered by the movie-seeing public. There are some amusing moments matched with a nice touch of heart that will have children of all ages smiling. It excels on every technical level and numerous visuals are downright stunning, but it ultimately feels uninspired. Go and check it out.

“The Good Dinosaur” is rated PG for peril, action and thematic elements; running time: 100 minutes.