Review of The Good Dinosaur (2015) by Odjento — 12 Dec 2015

Now this might stir some controversy but I’m going to say it anyway; I enjoyed The Good Dinosaur more than Inside Out. Now let me explain.

TGD has a far more typical and formulaic plot and premise to what was happening which is why it may not have been seen as highly as Inside Out due to that having its original premise, but TGD’s is far more fully realised and executed better.

I found the film was more emotional, with the reason for the events of the film taking place actually making me a bit upset due to how well they executed it. Albeit this, the film has more laughs per minute than Inside Out and hits its jokes well. The film is oddly a bit more mature, with a hysterical but rather worrying drug trip sequence and even Dinosaurs eating other Dinosaurs on screen. I mean WHAT THE F**K…. a kid bites off a bugs head. It’s savage and kinda shocking but also makes you laugh at how unexpected it is! I think this adds a more serious tone over the film which is why it is a PG but it is still definitely a kids film. I mean look at it like this kids aren’t stupid; if they like Dinosaurs or know anything about Dinosaurs then they know they eat each other. Don’t undermine then and speak on behalf of them saying they will not enjoy that.

Now, the animation in this film is by far the best Pixar have ever released. Everything almost looks real, with photorealistic water and focus shots that really make it a cinematic marvel to be honest. The characters in the film are all pretty quirky too, and really offer up some loveable and memorable ones that add to the film. I also prefer the character design to Inside Out’s, as I found them a bit too glittery and fluffy In animation.

Either way, both films are great, but I think TGD is the better one really as it seriously takes risks and gets rewarded for it. I would like to see more from Peter Sohn at Pixar, he really has a good eye for things and the writers did a great job. Additionally, I must say I think the ending was played on between the two main characters a little too much, but hardly detracts from the rest of this films charm. I will round my score up as I think it deserves it. Check this one out!!

8.