‘The Good Dinosaur,’ an even better story

Disney Pixar continues to amaze with alluring visuals and humor

An Apatosaurus named Arlo takes on a rare friendship with a human boy.  Photo Courtesy of Disney/Pixar

An Apatosaurus named Arlo takes on a rare friendship with a human boy. Photo Courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Star Rating: 4 out of 5

Following the hit movie “Inside Out,” Pixar has released, for the first time in history, their second film within a year.

The intriguing story takes place for what seems like a few million years ahead of the near apocalypse. Arlo (voiced by Raymond Ochoa), an ambivalent and young apatosaurus, finds himself lost and scared far away from his home and family.

While trying to search for his way back home, with the help of a befriended human cave-boy named Spot (voiced by Jack Bright), Arlo becomes invested in an adventure filled with twists of tragedy and humor.

“The Good Dinosaur” is by far one of the most impeccable digital works Walt Disney’s Pixar has ever animated. The realistic beauty within the world it’s created surrounding these creatures is breathtakingly astonishing, especially in the three-dimensional eye.

Even though the animation is impressive enough, kids and adults are brought to laughter a countless number of times in light of a few humorous events throughout the film. And as a good Pixar movie always does, the audience is also brought to some major sensitivity through definite tear-jerking moments, as well.

As for the characters, visible minor details were put into each of them and their personas. Arlo is clearly characterized well as a main character in showing his personality and how much his fears consume him. However, Spot also seems to be a main protagonist in the film, but isn’t on full display for the audience to see, as information about his character and background is lacking.

“The Good Dinosaur” is rated PG, but there are multiple scenes of trauma and misfortune that might not necessarily be okay for kids to watch. Additionally, there’s a particular scene where Arlo and Spot eat some fermented fruit, where they’re then seen to be getting briefly “drunk” and wake up with headaches. While this may be hilarious to teens and adults, it could be confusing for kids.

Overall, Walt Disney’s Pixar did a fascinating and stunning job establishing this film. “The Good Dinosaur” is most positively a “great” one.