This past Monday we took the kids into Boston to catch the press screening of the movie, The Good Dinosaur. I am disclosing that I saw the movie for free but I think that spending $41 on snacks and $14 on parking balances things out. Either way, I am going to give you my honest opinion of the movie.

Three years ago I had the unique opportunity to visit the Pixar campus for a press tour for Monsters University. There I got to meet and interview Peter Sohn, the director of The Good Dinosaur. During that trip he even mentioned that he was working on The Good Dinosaur. The process for making a Pixar movie is so long and it shows. Attention to detail and quality of story are key in a Pixar movie. The Good Dinosaur is no exception. This is a beautiful movie, not just in story but in the imagery of the scenery.

At it’s heart the movie is a Hero’s Journey set in a world where the dinosaurs never went extinct in the genre of a Western. The movie begins with our main character, Arlo, a tiny apatosaurus, being born into a hard working farming family lead by Poppa and Momma. Arlo has two siblings, the rough and tumble Buck and the smart Libby. Each member of the family has a job to do and if they do a good job then they can “make their mark” on the family corn silo. In order to “make your mark” you have to do something exceptional. This is Arlo’s initial struggle.

Arlo can’t seem to do anything right, he is small, scared and clumsy. However his Poppa never gives up on him. I think that you can tell from the trailer where things are going in this relationship and in every hero’s journey tragedy must fall. This sets up the actual physical journey of Arlo. Arlo meets Spot, a small caveboy who is also part of the reason that Arlo is on this journey. Eventually, these two who were initially adversaries end up friends who come to rely on each other for their survival.

One of the funniest parts of the movie is what Arlo meets Forrest Woodbrush. This is a large Triceratops who is known as The Pet Collector. He wants Spot as his own and exclaims that “I name him, I keep him”. There was definitely a feel of a medicine man to this character. One who was wise but just a little crazy. The character was played by the director Peter Sohn who has also had roles in other movies like Monsters University where he played Squishy. The scene is a very funny one especially when he starts telling Arlo the names of his pets and why they are called those names. Dream Killer is the one that sent me over the edge.

As Arlo and Spot continue their journey they meet a trio of T-Rexes. And nothing but nothing says grizzled cowboy than the voice of Sam Elliott. He plays the part of Butch so well and it is through this relationship that Arlo begins to find his own strength of character and will. I loved how the movements of the T-Rexes were done, they moved across the landscape in such a way that they looked like cowboys riding on a cattle drive. It is hard to explain but you will see it when you see it. The way that they carry themselves just looks and feels like a man on a horse.

Eventually in every hero’s journey the hero must become the hero. they must make a heroic and selfless act of courage in the face of what they fear the most. This was done so well. It was an epic tale that tugged right at the heartstrings and was enjoyed by the entire family.

When we asked Any what his favorite part was he was still telling us his 16th favorite thing as we were halfway home. The movie is great for kids and even though there are some loud somewhat scary parts it wasn’t too scary. This is worth hitting the theaters for this Thanksgiving.

Here is some additional detail on The Good Dinosaur.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR
DISNEY•PIXAR

U.S. Release Date: November 25, 2015
Director: Peter Sohn
Producer: Denise Ream

“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.

Notes:

• Peter Sohn made his directorial debut with the Pixar short film “Partly Cloudy.” He has worked in the art, story and animation departments, and also has voiced the characters of Emile from Academy Award®-winning “Ratatouille” and Scott “Squishy” Squibbles from “Monsters University.”
• Denise Ream produced the Golden Globe-nominated film “Cars 2” for Pixar Animation Studios, and served as associate producer for Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Up.” She also has an extensive background in producing visual effects and animation for live action films.

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