Before catching The Good Dinosaur in it's 4KUHD release I hadn’t seen it, no doubt put off by slightly negative reviews that it received at the time. While The Good Dinosaur is not the best Pixar film by any stretch of the imagination, it is still a fun, colourful animated film with lessons aplenty on family, grief, and courage. 

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​Luckily for young Arlo, his parents (Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand) and his two siblings, the mighty dinosaurs were not wiped out 65 million years ago. When a rainstorm washes poor Arlo (Raymond Ochoa) downriver, he ends up bruised, battered and miles away from home. Good fortune shines on the frightened dino when he meets Spot (Jack Bright), a Neanderthal boy who offers his help and friendship. Together, the unlikely duo embark on an epic adventure to reunite Arlo with his beloved family.

 

The Good Dinosaur has all the hallmarks of a Pixar film: a great story accompanied by breathtaking animation. The tale is easy to follow and while it is concise, engaging, and at times funny and poignant, it's not entirely memorable. Although there are some great lessons weaved throughout the narrative and there is plenty of adventure and fun to be had. 

 

Although not the best Pixar film out there, The Good Dinosaur is a colourful, wonderfully animated tale of family, grief, and courage.