Carl Roberts 
“For pure family entertainment, fun, and with a great message, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is a treat that’s not to be sniffed at.”
Are you ready to take a walk with PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie?
Based on the TV series, the second big-screen movie is arriving in the U.S. Theaters on Friday. In the UK, it will be previewed over the coming two weekends before opening on October 13th. Once again directed by Cal Brunker, who co-wrote the screenplay with Bob Barlen. From a story by Brunker, Barlen, and Shane Morris, the film will appeal to young fans of the show. Those not up to date on what they will see in the movie could possibly need a crash course before taking their seats. But the question is, could the film be a barking mad, outstanding family movie, or is it more like a dog’s dinner?
THE PREMISE
All of her life, Skye has felt like she has been unappreciated by the rest of the PAW Patrol. Eager to prove she can be an asset to the team, Skye gets a chance when a magical meteor crash-lands in Adventure City, giving her and the other PAW Patrol members superpowers as they become the Mighty Pups. In order to steal the pups’ powers, Mayor Humdinger escapes from prison and teams up with a meteor expert named Victoria Vance to steal the pups’ crystals.
THOUGHTS
Fans and non-fans alike don’t need to worry. This second theatrical outing for the pups is a wonderful movie. Full to the brim of action, thrills, spills, laughs, and all-around fun, the film is a late summer/early Autumn treat. Those who haven’t seen any of the series or the first movie may be a little confused at first. But then we are thrust into the world of PAW Patrol with an outstanding opening that will thrill the audience. And the film never looks back. Although the pups themselves are animated creatures who talk (don’t they always?), the audience can’t help but fall in love with them and laugh at their antics.
McKenna Grace voices Skye, a heartening 7-year-old cockapoo, replacing Lilly Bartlam from the series and the first film. Skye is front and center throughout the film, the character that leads the fun. She is also the character that we feel for the most. Skye is a small dog who doesn’t think she’s worth anything. Or is of any benefit to the team. This angst is the crutch of the story, about finding out one’s worth. Accepting who and what we are, and discovering our place in the world and our family. And it shows that even the smallest person or creature can make the biggest difference.
THE VOCAL CAST
The rest of the vocal cast is also up to scratch, with some voices replaced from the first film and the show. Marsai Martin reprises her role as Liberty, Kim Kardashian returns as Delores, Callum Shoniker is back as Rocky, and Ron Pardo returns as Mayor Humdinger and Cap’n Turbot. Other voices include Taraji P. Henson as Victoria “Vee” Vance and Serena Williams as Yoga Yvette. Brice Gonzalez, North West, and Alan Kim as the voices of the Junior Patrollers. Chris Rock as the Kitten Catastrophe Crew’s version of Rubble, Christian Convery as Chase, replacing Luke Dietz from the series and Iain Armitage from the first film.
Finn Lee-Epp as Ryder, replacing Kai Harris from the series and Will Brisbin from the first film. Luxton Handspiker as Rubble, replacing Keegan Hedley from both the series and the first film, and Lucien Duncan-Reid from the series. Christian Corrao as Marshall, replacing Kingsley Marshall from both the series and the first movie. And Nylan Parthipan as Zuma, replacing Shayle Simons from both the series and the first film, and Jordan Mazeral from the series. Long-time fans may notice the changes but all of the new cast give their all and suit their characters down to the ground. While James Marsden as Hank, and Kristen Bell as Janet, the town’s junkyard owners also join in with the fun.
WRITING
The screenplay by Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen from a story by Brunker, Barlen, and Shane Morris, is superb. It is all good, clean fun that plays well with what’s gone before while driving the pups’ story further. Children will lap it up while adults will get a chuckle out of the knowing references that the script contains. These may go over the heads of the youngsters but the adults will get them instantly. And that’s what makes the film such a terrific family affair for kids of all ages.
THE DIRECTION, ANIMATION AND MUSIC
Cal Brunker directs proceedings with aplomb. He once again produces an animated film that we can sit back and enjoy. It is hardly surprising considering his background in animation. Brunker knows his stuff inside and out and displays his talents once more for everyone to see. The animation is crisp, clear and vibrant. The colors displayed are so bright which fits the animation and the narrative brilliantly. Mikros Image once again provides the animation and the French company, based in Montreal have once come up trumps.
The music from Pinar Toprak, replacing Heitor Pereira from the first film, delivers a score that fits the film so well. Every note, every cue, suits every second of the film. Throw in some catchy songs from the likes of Christina Aguilera with “Learning To Fly”, Bryson Tiller with “Down Like That”, and Mckenna Grace with “Bark to the Beat” with Blackbear, and you have more than enough for the film to soar.
CONCLUSION
For pure family entertainment, fun, and with a great message, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is a treat that’s not to be sniffed at. It is the perfect family movie that can be watched over and over again. With the entertainment the film provides, there is more than enough to have everyone smiling. The vocal performances are all on point, the animation is top-notch, and the songs will have you tapping your foot inside the theater and humming them on the way home. Add to that, the little ones will go home happy and sated and it all adds up to a great family trip to the movies.
There are a few minor quibbles along the way but they are so small, that they won’t spoil your fun. If I were to put my paw on one thing that bothered me, it’d have to be the film only runs for 92 minutes! I could easily have sat there for a further twenty minutes or so. But that may have stretched the plot too thin. As it is, the film has enough sense to give the audience what they want, a really good time. It will bowl everyone over with its charming antics, and its message about being the best you can be and being important, no matter your size. It’ll leave the young ones begging for more once the final credits roll and you lead them out of the screen. Far from being a dog’s dinner, the movie is a tasty treat. In fact, you’d be barking mad to miss it!
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie will be in U.S. Theaters from Friday and in UK cinemas on October 13th.
Future of the Force News Editor,Liverpool F.C fan,Halloween Movie Fan, Friday The 13th movies fan, Star Wars Fan, Star Trek Fan.
