PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie is now showing in UK cinemas, and Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett has shared how she had an unexpected reaction while watching the kid's film with her son.
A Surprising Emotional Response
With the summer holidays in full swing, many parents are likely scratching their heads for ways to keep the kids entertained. Given the sweltering temperatures right now, heading to a cool, air-conditioned cinema could be just the ticket. If that sounds like your kind of plan, you may well have been weighing up whether to take the little ones to see PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, which hit UK cinemas on August 5.
The film is the third big-screen outing for the beloved franchise, serving as a sequel to PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023) and Patrol: The Movie (2021). The story follows the PAW Patrol pups as they crash-land on an uncharted tropical island teeming with dinosaurs after being caught up in a ferocious storm.
Story and Characters
Their notorious nemesis, Mayor Humdinger, begins recklessly plundering the island's natural resources, triggering a long-dormant volcano to erupt and forcing the pups into a series of high-stakes rescues to prevent the island from total destruction. Along the way, the team befriends a baby T-Rex named Rhubarb and a stranded pup named Rex, a dinosaur expert who uses a wheeled walker and demonstrates to young viewers that nothing can stand in their way.
This latest chapter places Marshall (voiced by Carter Young) firmly at the heart of the story, with the plot exploring his trademark clumsiness alongside his unwavering determination to never give up.
Positive Reviews and Record Score
It appears others share my view, as online reviews for PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie are overwhelmingly positive, setting a franchise record. The film currently holds a critical score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing both previous theatrical releases. Critics and parents alike agree that while it is primarily aimed at very young children, it is thoroughly engaging, beautifully animated, and brimming with positive messaging.
Much like myself, reviewers are heaping praise on Marshall's character arc, with critics noting that exploring his insecurity around his own clumsiness delivers a valuable, realistic lesson to young children about dealing with mistakes and conquering self-doubt. The arrival of Rex — a paraplegic pup who gets around with the help of a wheeled walker — has also been met with widespread praise, with audiences applauding the sensitive portrayal of his disability, which never holds him back from being a courageous adventurer or a valued member of the team.
Final Verdict
At 88 minutes, the film is ideally suited to children aged 3 to 8, moving at a pace that holds their attention without leaving them feeling overwhelmed. So is it worth taking the kids along? Without a doubt. Just be warned — if you're as emotional as I am lately, you might want to have a tissue handy.
