‘Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” Review – Go Go Power Pups

Synopsis: When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

Do your best to surround yourself with good people. Whether you like it or not, the people that you associate with are seen as a representation of you. Not only that, but you want friends and peers who inspire you, ones who see your potential and motivate you to be the best version of yourself. That also involves holding you accountable. You want people who care about you and your well-being. Individuals who will not just speak highly of you but will also protect your name when you’re not around. In turn, hopefully, you do the same for them.

“I hate being the smallest pup.”

They may not be assembling for morphin’ time but if you’re ages 7 and under, this might be the next best thing. Directed by Cal Brunker, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie is an exuberant superpowered affair. There’s no Zordon or Nick Fury calling the shots, but with Ryder leading the way, it’s definitely a go go power pups adventure. Now, if you’re an adult or teenager taking your children, grandchildren, siblings, or nieces and nephews, you’re probably wondering how enjoyable this experience will be. I can’t speak for how the raucous and rowdy theater environment will be, however, I can assure you that this is a movie event that will delight humans of all ages. From it’s contagious spirited disposition, star-powered cast, and uplifting story, you’re going to enjoy yourself more than you’d expect.

If you’re like me, you’re familiar with the Paw Patrol brand because of its toys, commercials, and its unavoidable advertising. Furthermore, if you’re also like me, you’ve never consumed any of the content. Worry not, because the film is very aware of this and gives the adult audience a quick explanation within the first five minutes. It even ends with an invitation to just go with it. From that moment, you can turn off your overthinking, overanalyzing adult brain and simply relax and have a good time. The main objective of this family-friendly spectacle is to have fun and learn something along the way. Besides, when they look like Power Rangers, operate like the Avengers, and have abilities like your favorite comic heroes, the geek inside is more than curious.

“There’s nothing more fun than realizing your full potential.”

As the story quickly races towards the pups getting superpowers that coincide with their names and personalities, there’s a theme and messaging that we can all relate to in some fashion. They may not have articulated it this way but I feel it to be apropos and the unequivocal spirit of the movie, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. From the first act up until when the credits roll, positivity flies around more than Skye and her pink jet. From being underestimated and overlooked to finding purpose and reaching your full potential, it’s great for kids to learn these things while also serving as a reminder to older viewers. Subsequently, our misguided villain is somewhat redeemable because she too needs to receive these messages.

The movie looks fantastic. It’s vibrant, clean, and easily on par with its animation peers. The voice acting is great, and I was pleasantly surprised by who was at the helm of some of the characters. Oh, and the original song, Learning to Fly by Christina Aguilera hits way harder than it should for a movie like this. And with names like McKenna Grace, Lil Rel Howery, and Taraji P. Henson attached, how could you not be intrigued? If school is off to a ruff start this year, throw your little ones a bone and head to the theater. I enjoyed Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie monumentally more than I expected too. It’s tons of fur, I mean fun. Its rewatchability is medium.

Pace & Pop

Since this film is for the youngest of us all, it should come as no surprise that its pacing is consistently lively. Immediately beginning with trouble that only the Paw Patrol can handle, it’s pup, pup and away until the credits roll. What popped for me was the positive messaging. In a world where negativity is around every corner, it’s good to have bright lights to shine through the dark clouds.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Mckenna Grace, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Finn Lee-Epp, Luxton Handspiker, Christian Corrao, Christian Convery, Callum Shoniker, Lil Rel Howery, Alan Kim, North West, Saint West,
Brice Gonzalez, Nylan Parthipan, Kim Kardashian, Chris Rock, Serena Williams.

This cast of heavy hitters and newcomers set out to impress and they succeeded in a mighty fashion. Their performances were lively, authentic, and more emotional than one might expect. What makes it increasingly more authentic is, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mathem, it’s actual kids or teenagers who are doing the voices of the newly superpowered pups. McKenna Grace as Skye and Taraji P. Henson as Vee are definitely the two that stand out for me. While their arcs may be the focus, they simply hit all the right notes. However, Luxton Handspiker is quite comical as Rubble.

Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie releases in theaters on September 29, 2023. Remain safe and let’s roll!

Rated: PG

Runtime: 1h 28m

Director: Cal Brunker

Screenplay: Cal Brunker & Bob Barlen

Story: Cal Brunker & Bob Barlen and Shane Morris

Producers: Jennifer Dodge, p.g.a., Laura Clunie, p.g.a., Toni Stevens, p.g.a.

Executive Producers: Ronnen Harary, Adam Beder, Peter Schlessel

Music: Pinar Toprak

Editor: Ed Fuller

Art Direction: Jack Yu

https://youtube.com/watch?v=UDgjJ9XzgHk%3Fsi%3DyUz2xJ4ip2gJZuDe