Film review: ‘PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE’ by Nick Gardener from ‘Built For Speed’
For those who (like me prior to seeing this film) are complete novices in the Paw Patrol world, this is a computer animated series for youngsters that mixes Thunderbirds-style rescue adventure with the adorable cuteness of puppies. In this world, in which dogs can talk and drive cars, a very likeable group of hounds Rubble, Skye, Liberty, Chase, Zuma and Rocky have formed the rescue squad known as Paw Patrol. Like an ultra-high-tech SES, the group are regularly called upon to save those bumbling humans. Through their missions the show explores wholesome themes of self-confidence, empowerment, co-operation and friendship.
In Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, (which is the second Paw Patrol film) the feisty puppies have to combat a mad scientist, Professor Vance (Taraji P Henson) who has teamed up with Humdinger (Ron Pardo), the corrupt former Mayor of the pups’ hometown Adventure City. Using a giant magnet, the evil professor wants to draw in orbiting meteors so she can pilfer their magic crystals and become more powerful than anyone on the planet. Pulling thousands of meteors to Earth obviously poses a few risks for the planet’s inhabitants, something the puppies and their human handler Ryder (Will Brisbin) are keen to prevent.
Rather than the impressively layered and sophisticated writing and production of the prestige animated films like Zootopia and the Toy Story and Minions movies, Paw Patrol is essentially a beefed-up Saturday morning cartoon. The animation is good enough but lacks the astonishing detail and nuance of the more recent top shelf animations. The storyline and humour are understandably pitched at children under 10 although there are a few slivers of adult wit sprinkled here and there. The quirky, evil Humdinger and his odd coterie of pussycats are quite amusing.
Adults might also be relieved to know that this film’s pacing and intensity are surprisingly tolerable. It doesn’t pulverise the audience with the hypomanic, migraine inducing action and sight gags the way many animated films have in the last few years.
Also, the filmmakers here really know how to tap into a child’s mindset. The idea of cute animals taking over normal adult human roles is obviously a delight for kids and many of the littlies will no doubt connect with the main subplot about Skye feeling left out because she’s the smallest member of the team.
A voice cast that includes Kristen Bell, James Marsden and Kim Kardashian as well as several youngsters do a decent job but don’t deliver indelible performances at the level of a Robin Williams or a Steve Carrell.
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie won’t be slotting into the pantheon of children’s film classics but it will provide a nice afternoon of school holiday entertainment for any youngster who has enjoyed the TV show and it won’t punish their parents.
Nick’s rating: ***
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Animation/ Children’s film.
Classification: PG.
Director(s): Cal Brunker.
Release date: 27th Aug 2023.
Running time: 100 mins.
Reviewer: Nick Gardener can be heard on “Built For Speed” every Friday night from 8-10pm on 88.3 Southern FM.