If arguably marked by some heavy-handed and unsubtle writing, the first film of 1988 remains a modern classic that holds up well. The same can't quite be said of the first "direct to video" sequel of 1994, 'The Great Valley adventure'; enjoyable on its own merits, the flick is nevertheless one of unsophisticated flavor and fun more than earnest storytelling and substance like its elder. With Don Bluth out of the equation since the progenitor, and a cast and crew returning from 'The land before time II,' it's only reasonably to bear mixed to low expectations of 'The time of the Great Giving.' Still, there's always the chance that it could boast value of its own, so where does the third feature of the franchise actually stand? For better and for worse, it doesn't take long to discern that this is pretty well kith and kin with its immediate predecessor.
Right away we see the same strengths and weaknesses that characterized TLBT2. On the one hand, a tiny science lesson that's a tad forced, overly simplistic narration, gauche and childish songs, extra cutesy voice acting generally, and writing at large - characters, dialogue, story, and scenes - that are decidedly uncomplicated and straightforward, catering directly to the very, very youngest of viewers while favoring the conventional, tried and true, easy, and artless over heartfelt sincerity, drama, and complexity that may appeal to a wider audience of more ages (if not all ages). On the other hand, voice acting that is respectable in and of itself, a swell score, and terrific and detailed animation, including gorgeous backgrounds, lovely effects, and splendid characters designs and other active elements. There are, in fact, solid ideas in the story and scene writing as our core characters, young dinos Littlefoot, Cera, Petrie, Ducky, and Spike, find themselves getting involved in new adventures in and around the prehistoric haven of the Great Valley. I'll even admit that those songs that are undeniably outwardly gauche are kind of catchy.
We even see a wider variety of dinosaurs this time around, even if only in passing, and I'm pleased to note that, as the Great Valley faces hardship, to some degree the picture again touches upon the meaningful themes of prejudice that dominated the first installment. I'd even go so far as to say that overall the thematic foundations are unexpectedly strong - dealing with some notions that are all too real - and once again, there are tinges of mild humor to go along with the mild adventure and the mild drama. It's just unfortunate that in approaching that material, the title seems to have been shaped with a mind for relatively shallow entertainment over nuanced, impactful accentuation of the underlying concepts. In more recent years especially we've seen a boatload of family-friendly fare that respects kids' intelligence and refuses to reduce the more involved and elaborate thoughts on hand. 'The time of the Great Giving' does not necessarily fit into that category, and my issue is that it easily could have.
Nevertheless, no matter how much we may deign to critique the film, it's hardly as if it's bad. This was not molded in a manner that fully meets its potential, but all involved still turned in good work under those circumstances. It's a suitably good time, and we get at least some measure of what we came for. No, it's nothing that demands viewership, and it pales in comparison to the progenitor, but that doesn't mean it's altogether unworthy. Given its shortcomings 'The land before time III' won't stick in our memory after watching, but so long as you can abide such matters, then if you have the chance to check it out then it's good enough for something light.
