Movie Review on Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie

Let’s get one thing straight: I didn’t walk into this expecting a cinematic masterpiece. But the animation? No kidding, it’s legitimately DreamWorks or Illumination quality. That’s a hell of a good start.

Even though it’s technically a kids’ movie, there are actual, genuine lessons here that both children and stubborn adults could benefit from. Facing your mistakes is a healthy attitude, and learning from them is the only smart way to improve. I honestly didn’t even know Marshall was going to be the emotional anchor of this gang, but within the first twenty minutes, he became my absolute favourite hero. His best line hits harder than expected: “You don’t need to be perfect. But you will try your best every single time.” That’s solid life advice right there.

And come on, dinosaurs. Who doesn’t love dinosaurs? They’re huge, mysterious and effortlessly cool. In this film, seeing the T-Rex act like a straight-up Battle Cat from He-Man is a stroke of genius. Can we also take a moment to talk about how adorable that little red-coloured Rhubarb is? I’m not even ashamed to admit that right after the credits rolled, I went straight to our store looking for its toy figure. Lo and behold, I instantly spotted it among the collection: the Roaring Pup Pals Marshall toy set!

Let’s not forget the world-building. The giant treehouse setting is magnificent, and watching the Megasaurus help the pups reach the top to look out over Dino Wilds is pure visual candy. Is that what it’s called? An island full of dinosaurs and diamonds! Fun fact: the Megasaurus Dino Vehicle toy set actually extends to 70 cm tall to replicate that exact vibe. It would definitely impress any kid.

Of course, Mayor Humdinger is still doing his usual routine to balance out the chaos, but let’s be real... those cats of his are just too adorable. When are we getting a spin-off movie where they get trained as the actual PAW Patrol?

Oh, and shout-out to Rex. What an awesome new character. The fact that he’s a pup who lost his hind legs, is equipped with rugged all-terrain wheels, and literally rides a dinosaur like a rodeo pro? How cool is that? Representation and badassery done right.

The Verdict: Overall, this is an absolute blast. It’s a genuinely fun family movie that both big and little ones can enjoy. 

Paw Patrol has been a favourite in our house for so many years, so my girls were really looking forward to the new Dino movie and it definitely didn’t disappoint!

We loved that the movie was set somewhere different, and who doesn’t love dinosaurs?! It was such a fun change of scenery and made for a really exciting adventure. We also loved that this movie focuses more on Marshall. He gets to step into the spotlight and show just how brave, determined and special he is, which was lovely to see.

The addition of Rex was so cute, and both my girls absolutely loved him. I also really appreciated the inclusion of a character who uses a wheelchair. It was wonderful to see that representation included so naturally.

It was such a fun movie from start to finish, with plenty of dinosaurs, adventure and all the Paw Patrol characters we love. My girls are already asking when the next Dino movie is coming out!

Tilly (my 4 year old delightful little powerhouse of a human) has been in an anti-Paw Patrol for a while now. I'm not sure why, and I had no idea if it would ever end or if my days of identifying with Marshall and his chaotic energy were over. Turns out, all she needed was a truly excellent movie about dinos and self worth, along with a killer main theme tune, and PAW PATROL IS BACK ON THE MENU. 

It also was an absolute win that Rex, one of the lovely new character additions, is wheelchair bound - awesome for my girl who is currently stuck in a wheelchair too. It's wonderful to see more diversity in the representation for children's films, and the ways we enable more children to see themselves in media by doing so. 

Tilly loved it, I loved it, the song is well and truly stuck in my head, and Marshall continues to be my favourite. This movie knows its audience - appealing to the kids who are obsessed with this crew of problem-solvers, but it also delivers an entertaining and excellently animated film for the adults forced to watch alongside (anything for a little peace). It's anti-cat message always bothers me a little, but the anti-greed theme balances that out well. 

All in all, a fab film doing exactly what it needs to to draw the kids in, deliver a heartfelt message, and get us all back on the pup train.

More great books to enjoy if you like Dinosaurs:

Must-get Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Toys!