While in Los Angeles last week with Disney for The Good Dinosaur Red Carpet Premiere, I had the opportunity to preview the film. Without spoilers or major information, I thought I would share a little bit of it with you today!
To start with, it is only fair that I make note that my family is huge fans of dinosaurs, Disney, Pixar, and Disney•Pixar. I should also note that after watching a number of trailers for the film, I walked into the El Capitan Theatre still not knowing what to expect from The Good Dinosaur. The long and short of the story is that I walked out of the theatre with a smile on my face and I was excited about what I had just seen. The reality of that statement is that it doesn’t really tell you anything. More importantly, it doesn’t tell you anything about the journey and that is what really matters!
Since I have no desire to provide spoilers, instead I will be focusing on pieces of the film that have stayed with me, even a week later. The bottom line is this… you should take your family to see The Good Dinosaur THIS weekend. This is the perfect family film, for children age seven and older, and it is a great way to welcome in the holiday season.
Here are a few things to keep an eye out for ….
THE GRAPHICS: A friend of mine said it perfectly when she noted that the realism in the animation is mind blowing. It’s absolutely amazing. You’ll find yourself sitting in the theater, watching an animated film, and wondering if Disney•Pixar has moved out of the animation business and into collecting beautiful footage that one would normally see from National Geographic. The water, the movement of the leaves, the rain, the grass; every detail is so real, you feel as though you are looking at footage collected from the west. The beauty of it all is that it is still animation.
SPOT: I couldn’t help myself but smile every time this little one found his way into the scene. Even at his most feral moments, he still comes across as cuddly and cute, and I wanted nothing more than to scoop him up, ruffle his hair, and listen to his adorable grunts and howls. I fell in love with Spot moments after being introduced to him and you will as well; you won’t be able to help yourself. There is something about this little guy that will have you cooing over his every moment and at times you won’t even know why. Don’t worry, it’s normal … we all love him! I’m pretty sure I could have sat in the theater for the full 1 hour, 40 minutes just watching Spot be Spot and I would have been perfectly content as I walked out.
THE TAKE AWAY: The Good Dinosaur is about self-discovery, family, and friendship. As we sit back and experience Arlo’s journey, one can’t help but become connected to the character and what he is experiencing. At times, you may even find yourself relating to him. Although I didn’t find the storyline completely original at times, the characters are most certainly unique. The characters make this film what it is and they are what will make this film a success. The Good Dinosaur is full of imagery, evolutions, and messages that will appeal to children and as a bonus, adults will take something away as well. Seriously, there were lines from this film that I wish I had written down, things that I wanted to take home with me and incorporate into my relationship with my daughter. Sometimes a few words can be very powerful.
SAM ELLIOT: What can I say … the man is absolutely a legend! Just hearing his voice gives me feels so adding him to the lineup was pure genius. Keep an ear out for his jargon. I understand this makes no sense to you right now but once you see the film … it will!
LAUGHTER and TEARS: Disney•Pixar is known for being a producer of both laughter and tears. At this point, it is just expected and I am pleased to share, as it is definitely not a spoiler, The Good Dinosaur won’t let you down. There are moments when I couldn’t help but rummage through my purse for a tissue and there were moments when I was deep belly laughing. Be on the lookout for a scene that will have you giggling, while looking around the theater trying to figure out if you are still viewing a Disney•Pixar film. Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it … I can’t wait to hear your reaction!
Overall, this is a cute film that definitely has and will find its place in Disney•Pixar history. A great cast, beautiful images, and a new way of looking at “what if” will capture your attention from the first moment of the movie and have you smiling by the end.
THE GOOD DINOSAUR IS OPEN IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE!!
“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.
Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”), Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.
An Apatosaurus named Arlo and his unlikely human friend travel through a harsh and mysterious landscape, where Arlo learns to confront his fears, discovering what he is truly capable of.
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I was sent on an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles, California courtesy of Disney to experience The Good Dinosaur and a series of other adventures surrounding the movie. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. Please note that some images are courtesy of Getty Images
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