PAW Patrol: The Movie
paramount picturesQuickly growing to be on the most popular children's cartoons within the modern zeitgeist, it was only a matter of time until PAW Patrol found its way onto the big screen, with Cal Brunker realising this eventuality with PAW Patrol: The Movie. Taking Chase (Iain Armitage) and the gang out of Adventure Bay and into Adventure City, where the cat-loving Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) is causing havoc, PAW Patrol: The Movie might at first seem like just another basic addition to the traditionally cheap children's animated genre – but it surprises greatly in its execution. While not enough to transcend the genre, the film easily becomes one of the better and more enjoyable releases of the genre in recent memory.
The immediate blessing the film gifts the audience with is its sense of humor. The kid's animated genre has largely become beaten down by unfunny and mature humour, with the likes of Arctic Dogs and The Boss Baby being insultingly unfunny and painful to sit through. PAW Patrol: The Movie might not be a total revelation within the cinematic art form as a whole but is undeniably above the examples mentioned, with the viewing experience actually feeling presently enjoyable. There are plenty of smart jokes and well-crafted moments of comedic timing that will give both children and adults a largely enjoyable viewing experience.
The emotional weight of the project also comes as a rather large surprise. While the majority of the plot does feel rather predictable and paint by numbers for the genre, the character of Chase finds some legitimate, moving depth that one might not expect from a project such as this. As the PAW Patrol heads to the big city, Chase is reminded of his past trauma in the location and has to come to terms with the haunting effects it has caused him to carry. Largely thanks to the genuinely impressive vocal performance from the young Iain Armitage and the editing of key scenes within Chase's narrative by Ed Fuller, this drama really shines through with a genuine impact and weight.
The same quality found within the film's editing is also found within the animation. Not only is the quality of the animation strong, but the shot composition and framing are quite effective and carry a clear craft. This leads to impactful emotional moments within the film’s more quiet and thoughtful segments, but also creates some genuinely thrilling action sequences for the genre that will have kids – and even some adults – on the edge of their seats. While this is nothing that will shock adult audiences, it undeniably makes the viewing experience watchable and will more than likely leave most kids stunned, which should be the main goal of the genre.
While PAW Patrol: The Movie is still a film focused first and foremost on entertaining children, even adults dragged to watch will end up having a worthwhile viewing experience. Though there might not be enough within the film to demand that adult parties check out the film without the presence of younger audiences, the film does work on multiple levels and ends up as one of the stronger pieces of kids animation to come out in recent memory. If one is looking to entertain their kids, don't be afraid to make the trip to Adventure City.
