Spoiler-Free The Good Dinosaur Review

In the past week, I’ve been lucky enough to see The Good Dinosaur twice. Once, in a small screening at Walt Disney Studios and the second time at the El Capitan Theater for the Red Carpet Premiere. Each experience was different and I enjoyed the second time just as much as the first – even crying in the EXACT four spots each time. {Bonus cry – stay until AFTER the credits for one more cry!}

This will be a spoiler-free review, as I don’t like revealing anything big that happens – I want you to completely enjoy the movie!

“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 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.

There isn’t a Pixar movie that I don’t love. Sure, I have my favorites but each and every one holds a special place in my heart and The Good Dinosaur has taken over a little piece of my heart. The Good Dinosaur isn’t just a good movie – it’s a great movie.

Simple Storytelling

In The Good Dinosaur, there’s nothing flashy going on. Sure, it may seem like a familiar story – the main character has to make his way back home with his sidekick, but The Good Dinosaur makes its own unique story.

Arlo and Spot will tug at your heartstrings as they make their way through the great outdoors learning what it’s like to work through your fears and experience your big journey. One of my favorite scenes is where Arlo and Spot communicate through body movement, symbols and howls. It’s a scene that you’ll be remember long after the movie is over – and bring your tissues!

Animation

I got the chance to talk with Director Peter Sohn and Producer Denise Ream about the animation of the landscapes in The Good Dinosaur. It’s the first time in a Pixar movie that they used 3D clouds and they also did a lot more water shots than a typical Pixar film. When watching some scenes, it can truly be breathtaking and if it wasn’t for a talking dinosaur on the screen, you wouldn’t think about it being an animated film.

Making Your Mark

Like any Disney Pixar film, there’s always a great message for kids and I loved the one in The Good Dinosaur. Not only is it a good way to talk to your children about their fears and how to work through it, but it’s also a great time to talk with them on how they want to make their mark on the world.

Last night, my 7 year old went and saw the movie with Dad {since I had seen it twice already, I thought it would be a fun bonding experience and it was!} and they both LOVED it. I even pumped my husband to find out if he cried and he admitted he MAY have teared up at one scene. Hayden came home howling and excitedly telling me about all of the cool scenes with the bad guys and Arlo’s journey home. I think kids will love this movie and you’ll love talking about it with them after.

The Good Dinosaur is in theaters today, November 24th! Make sure to take time this Holiday weekend to see it!

Disclosure: Disney provided an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles including travel, accommodations and activities. All thoughts and opinions are my own.