Congrats to the Canadian crew who created this Shangri-la! Lush palms, friendly animals, responsible humans, sunny weather, and a tall mountain with a waterfall cascading down fill out this Bali Hai dream. Brimming with challenges, lessons, and respect for others, I thought Spin Master Entertainment had produced a really fun movie.
So, when a publicist interviewed my good friend and child critic, Logan, I was sure he’d have plenty to say. But let me tell you, a 5-year-old has an independent mind. When asked how he liked it and what ranking he’d give it, from 1-5, Logan shook his head no.
Perplexed, the deflated Sony rep waited, even though he had about 40 other children to interview. It was August 9 in Portland, Oregon, and children with their parents had been invited to come to a free screening of “Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie” in exchange for their reactions.
The film starts with a family (Paris Hilton and Snoop Dogg) on a boating vacation with a free-spirited cat who starts a fire on board their boat. Ryder and his dogs are notified. Using a colorful variety of crafts, each arrives at the crisis scene in his/her own diverse way to save everyone on the burning boat. Even though they are all dogs, they are different breeds with different talents.
After the success of their mission, they return to their own large high-tech ship. But a thunderous, crashing storm blackens the sky and puts them all at risk. As the clouds part, their craft is washed up on the tropical island with the waterfall. Abruptly, out of the lush green, comes a Tyrannosaurus Rex whom the dogs know as a terrifying beast. The island is inhabited by prehistoric dinosaurs!
Ryder notifies scientists throughout the world, who come to study this exciting phenomenon. But amidst the good people, greedy Humdinger (narcissistically played by Ron Pardo) sneaks in with his comically dumb duo to excavate diamonds with dynamite.
The elemental threat in this film is fire, so among the 6 darling, energetic puppies who comprise the Paw Patrol, the clumsy firefighter, Marshall the Dalmatian (voiced by Carter Young), is repeatedly called to save both people and nature using determined perseverance.
Logan’s favorite character was Marshall’s new friend, Rhubarb, the baby T-rex. Together they must help save the island from the narcissistic human (familiar?) and an explosive volcano.
Logan’s attention was riveted the entire movie – and so was mine. The theater experience was fabulous. We were in this beautiful land, and we were eager to catch Humdinger and his two complicit cronies.
So, I was sure Logan would tell the publicist that this film was a solid 5 out of 5. But no, ever the contrarian, he didn’t want to give it a 5. The rep paused, confused. All the other parents and kids had given “Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie” an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Slowly and quietly, Logan said, “Could I give it another number?” The rep, bending down now for some time, waited, still friendly. “Sure.” Then Logan announced in serious, unemotional Walter Cronkite style, “It’s a 100.”
Rating: 100/5
Credits
Director: Cal Brunker
Writers: Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen / Based on “Paw Patrol” by Keith Chapman
Producers: Jennifer Dodge, Laura Clunie, and Toni Stevens
Voices: Carter Young, Mckenna Grace, Terry Crews, Jennifer Hudson, Jameela Jamil, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg and Henry Bolan
Editor: Ed Fuller
Music: Pinar Toprak
Production Company: Spin Master Entertainment
Release: Aug. 3, 2026 (Los Angeles) and Aug. 14, 2026 (US and Canada)
Running time: 88 minutes
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