SYNOPSIS: "The Good Dinosaur" asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

REVIEW:  "The Good Dinosaur" asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fearImagine if you will the great meteor that supposedly killed off all the dinosaurs several gazillion years ago, missed the earth. Everything is different. Dinosaurs have evolved and are intelligent, they farm and form families that stay together. And thus we meet an Apatosaurus family. Momma and Poppa, big brother Buck who is all brawn and toughness. Sister Libby who is determined and strong. And then there’s Arlo. Arlo is what some might call the runt. Not only small in size but small in spirit. Arlo is afraid of his own shadow, but Poppa believes in him. Everyone on their little farm pulls their weight and makes their mark, but Arlo seems to be having a harder time finding out how he will do so. There are such sweet moments in this film as Poppa Henry tries to help his little Arlo find his courage. As he tells little Arlo “you are me and more”. Oh, so sweet. As the years go on, the family works the farm and works hard to store food for the winter. But something seems to be getting into their food storage. Some kind of critter… and so Arlo now has a chance to make his mark… catch that darn critter! When Arlo first meets the critter, he hates him with all his body and soul, but time and experience can change things and so spot comes into the picture. Spot is a human, played very much like a dog. Just as our pets can teach us many life lessons, Spot will end up teaching Arlo a lot with no words.

Thus a true adventure begins. Arlo will go through so much, emotionally, physically and spiritually. He will meet many characters, see so much and weather many storms. I took my little Godson Anthony, aka I’ll Bubba to see the film and it was such a cool experience to see this movie from a five year olds perspective. The animation was superb, so much so that Li’l Bubba thought it was all real. As a parent, I must warn you that there is subject matter that you might have to talk out with your child, some emotional moments and there are some slightly scary parts for any one 5 and under but overall such a fun film. Most of the voice over actors are pretty new, at least to me, like Raymond Ochoa as Arlo, Jack Bright as Spot (although its mostly grunts, and howls), and Marcus Scribner as Butch, but all did an awesome job. There are a few very recognizable voices such as Momma, voiced lovingly by Frances McDormand, Poppa Jeffrey Wright is strong and soothing, Steve Zahn as Thunderclap (crazy is all I have to say), Anna Paquin as Ramsey, John Ratzenburger as Earl and Sam Elliot very recognizably voicing Butch. Arlo will go through so much, will learn so much and will grow more than even he could have imagined.

The film is precious and perfect to take your little one. I even know a teenager or two (Marcel) who can’t wait for it to come out. This is good movie night film for the whole family. Enjoy!
s and discovers what he is truly capable of.

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