A Look Back at “The Good Dinosaur”: A Pixar Film for the Younger Crowd
Pixar has a knack for transforming imaginative concepts into captivating realities through engaging characters and compelling narratives. Their films resonate with both children and adults, a testament to their creativity and universal appeal. This ability to strike a chord across generations is a cornerstone of Pixar’s enduring success.
However, when a film’s primary purpose seems to be driving merchandise sales, like with “Cars,” that cross-generational appeal can feel somewhat forced. “The Good Dinosaur,” while boasting a creative premise, stunning visuals, and profound themes, arguably caters more to a younger audience. They are more likely to fully embrace the film’s messages about family and gratitude.
A Simple Story with a Big Heart
Set millions of years ago, the story is refreshingly straightforward: a young dinosaur named Arlo overcomes his fears and discovers his self-worth during an adventurous journey. Arlo (voiced by Raymond Ochoa) is the smallest and most timid member of his Apatosaurus family, which includes his father, Henry (Jeffrey Wright), mother, Ida (Frances McDormand), and his siblings. After a catastrophic event separates him from his family, Arlo finds himself lost and alone. In his despair, he encounters a human boy (Jack Bright) who offers him food – perhaps as an apology for stealing from Arlo’s family earlier. Despite the language barrier, this act of kindness warms Arlo’s heart, and he names the boy Spot. From then on, they become inseparable. Guided by the Tyrannosaurus Butch (Sam Elliott), the two unlikely friends embark on a journey home, facing numerous challenges along the way.
The film cleverly subverts expectations by portraying herbivorous dinosaurs like Arlo as farmers and carnivorous dinosaurs like Butch as ranchers, effectively anthropomorphizing the food chain. Conversely, the human boy, Spot, is depicted as an animalistic companion to Arlo, lacking speech and acting as a loyal pet.
Visual Spectacle
The film’s most significant strength lies in its visual effects. The breathtaking natural landscapes are inspired by the arid plains and deserts of the American Southwest and the lush forests and snow-capped mountains of the Northwest. The realistic depiction of water, particularly when Arlo is swept away by a raging river, is truly remarkable, with many of the water effects being based on real-world footage. Technically, “The Good Dinosaur” is another triumph for Pixar.
Emotional Resonance
“The Good Dinosaur” taps into primal family emotions, exploring themes of childhood anxiety and the pain of loss. One of the most touching moments is when Spot rides on Arlo’s back through a field, his laughter echoing through the air. Spot embodies the carefree spirit of childhood, while Arlo evokes memories of vulnerability and loneliness, particularly with his large, tearful eyes.
Plot and Narrative
However, the film’s narrative falls short of its visual and emotional achievements. The script, penned by Meg LeFauve, struggles to find a central focus, resulting in a somewhat disjointed story. Furthermore, the film borrows elements from other works, such as “The Jungle Book,” “The Lion King,” and “How to Train Your Dragon.” The supporting characters encountered during Arlo and Spot’s journey often feel disconnected from the main plot, and the combination of realistic backgrounds with exaggerated character designs can be jarring. The film’s troubled production history, marked by director changes, recasting, script revisions, and release delays, may be indicative of underlying issues.
In conclusion, “The Good Dinosaur” offers children valuable lessons about growing up and overcoming fears, making it a worthwhile experience. While adults may appreciate the film’s technical achievements and emotional moments, they may find it to be a good, but not perfect, addition to the Pixar canon.