The message of “No pup’s too small!” while tackling Skye’s insecurities is the only track that makes the movie feel more meaningful than it actually is!
Star Cast: Dan Duran, Kristen Bell, James Marsden, Finn Lee-Epp, Luxton Handspiker
Director: Cal Brunker
What’s Good: It’s a film for kids, even smaller than those who enjoy Smurfs & Minions
What’s Bad: It never differentiates itself from a lot of such stories out there making ‘cute Avengers’ for the kids
Loo Break: If you can hold your pee for 90 minutes, it doesn’t mean you should actually hold it
Watch or Not?: Only if you’re an ardent fan of the series, the rest can re-watch Minions and have better fun
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
The ‘Super-Pups’ make a triumphant return, evolving into ‘Mighty-Pups’ to become the unexpected superheroes of their city. Guided by the ingenious 10-year-old human leader Ryder, played by Finn Lee-Epp, the ‘Mighty-Pups’ skillfully evade a meteor attack devised by the cunning villain Victoria Vance, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson.
In their successful evasion, they are bestowed with impressive superpowers, reminiscent of the X-Men, but with a playful puppy twist. Each pup acquires unique powers, ranging from being a formidable wrecking ball to a walking magnet, showcasing their extraordinary abilities. However, dachshund Liberty, portrayed by Marsai Martin, stands apart without a distinct power.
Victoria Vance devises a cunning plan to stage an attack on Adventure City, presenting a formidable challenge to the ‘Mighty-Pups.’ The courageous canine heroes rise to the occasion, determined to ensure the safety of their city’s inhabitants. Their mission unfolds as they use their newfound powers to thwart Vance’s malicious plans and guarantee the safety of all, mirroring the values of teamwork, bravery, and heroism.
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie Movie Review:
In “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” the collaborative efforts of Cal Brunker, Bob Barlen, and Shane Morris come together to craft a story and screenplay that may have notable weaknesses. However, do these weaknesses truly matter in the eyes of the film’s target audience, primarily children? The storyline, reminiscent of a previous spin-off from 2018 involving a meteor crash and superpowers for the pups, is examined. Moreover, the movie’s attempts at humor and pop culture references are analyzed in terms of their appeal to both kids and adults. Additionally, we delve into the standout track of the film that brings depth to the narrative and the portrayal of characters, specifically focusing on Skye’s character arc.
Script Analysis: The narrative of “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” borrows a familiar concept from the show’s 2018 spin-off, where a meteor crash grants superpowers to the canine heroes. Despite this lack of originality in the storyline, the central question remains: does this lack of originality significantly affect the movie’s reception among its young audience? Most likely not. Children are often captivated by thrilling and adventurous plotlines, and the movie’s ability to deliver on this front may outweigh the familiarity of the concept.
A somewhat jarring element in the script is the insertion of a pop culture reference, where the character Chase randomly drops a line from “Top Gun,” saying, “I feel the need…for super speed!” The intent behind this reference might be to inject humor or perhaps engage the adult audience. However, it risks leaving the young viewers confused, highlighting a potential disconnect between the intended audiences for the reference.
One shining aspect of the film’s narrative is the thematic exploration of bravery and self-acceptance, encapsulated in the message of “No pup’s too small.” Skye’s character, voiced by Mckenna Grace, grapples with insecurities throughout the movie. This character arc provides a meaningful layer to the film, elevating its impact beyond just an entertaining adventure. Skye’s journey serves to inspire and empower young viewers, showcasing the importance of overcoming one’s fears and embracing individuality.
Star Performance Review: Mckenna Grace’s voice portrayal of Skye, the 7-year-old cockapoo, is a standout performance that takes center stage. Grace captures the essence of Skye’s character, effectively portraying the emotional and developmental aspects of a young pup navigating her insecurities. Skye’s character is brought to life through Grace’s heartfelt performance, resonating with the audience and contributing to the emotional depth of the film.
On the contrary, Taraji P. Henson’s portrayal of the villain Vee is underwhelming, lacking the menacing presence expected of a villain in a children’s movie. Vee seems more geared towards invoking laughter than creating a sense of fear or threat for the young audience. While humor is essential in children’s films, a more balanced approach to Vee’s character could have added depth to the storyline.
Cameo appearances by various celebrities, including Chris Rock, Lil Rel Howery, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and North West, may be viewed as a commercial tactic aimed at appealing to both children and parents. While these appearances might add an element of excitement for the adult audience, the decision to include them seems rooted in marketing strategy, potentially aimed at enhancing merchandise sales.
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie Movie Review: Direction, Music
Cal Brunker has done a satisfactory job of bringing a story to life that has been narrated a few times before. There’s nothing Pixar-like despite seeing some shades of it somewhere in between.
Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel, Fortnite) has given the background score, which is as generic as it can get. Not a single set-piece you’d take home with you or even till the car.