Clifford the Big Red Dog

3 out of 5 stars.

Clifford being made into a live action film is finally on the screen. It is cute. The cast is charming with there roles. The humor is cheesy and fun for the whole family. The story is decent. And the visual effects are iffy. But still enjoyable for the family.

I remember the books when I was a kid of Clifford the Big Red Dog, and after all the kids books being made into films, I was not surprised that Clifford was made.

My only problem with this film is Jack Whitehall, he's not terrible but moments where he tries to be funny, he isn't. Trying to be Topher Grace and Zachery Levi mixed together and it doesn't get many laughs. The effects with Clifford are very done, really has you convinced. Darby Camp is a delight here, so was John Cleese and Russell Wong. If anybody read the books, I believe you'll feel like a kid again watching this.

Having watched the original with my daughter many times I was doubtful this new version would love up to expectations but I need not have been concerned, this film worked really well.

The comedy was very good and it wasn't overly cheesy. The acting was quite good and the visuals ok.

It won't win any awards but is worth a watch.

Clifford The Big Red Dog is indicative of the Boomer generation creation that becomes iconic, in terms of its simplicity. He is big...he is red and he is a dog, no doubt. The 60's, where the books come from, have this sensibility. Making the most basic things blow up in popularity.

Though the movie takes place in present day New York City, this movie definitely belongs in a different generation. One that requires that a man who lives in his cube truck be gleefully unapologetic about his lot in life, or that a paralegal and her daughter can afford to live in a large Harlem apartment. Or that everyone in the neighborhood are mystically whimsical and light, then this movie is for you. It may as well be a musical.

The story is of a girl for which magic works, and if your brain doesn't accept this, then this film is not for you.

I happen to miss this level of innocence. It lacks the cynicism to which politics have ruined everything. It just wants you to like it. Much like Clifford. He is sweet, wide-eyed and has no clue why he is seen as abnormal. Isn't that what we all want?

Special kudos to John Cleese speaking lines that would die in any other actor's mouth.

Everyone in this flick just seems so happy to do something this light.

I genuinely enjoyed this movie and found myself smiling. And that is all that is required.

"Clifford the Big Red Dog" is very cute. The characters are likable, and the story is heart warming. I enjoyed this film way more than I thought I would.