Clifford

Neither me nor my son were familiar with the animated series with the big red dog, so we sat down to watch the 2021 family movie "Clifford The Big Red Dog" without having a clue what we were in for, aside from it being a movie with an oversized red puppy.

I will say that writers Jay Scherick, David Ronn, Blaise Hemingway, Justin Malen and Ellen Rapoport definitely managed to put together a wholesome and entertaining movie for the entire family, because there was something to enjoy here for all members of the audience, regardless of age.

The storyline told in "Clifford The Big Red Dog" was rather enjoyable and actually proved entertaining from begininng to end, so thumbs up to the writers for that accomplishment, and also to director Walt Becker for bringing the script to life on the screen in a good way.

It should be said that the effects in the movie were good, and the oversized red puppy definitely came off as being realistic and believable, not to mention very adorable and loveable, as puppies usually are. So the CGI team that worked on "Clifford The Big Red Dog" certainly worked their magic in bringing the great red puppy to life on the screen.

Of course realism and such is out the window here, but then again, it is not something you take into the equation when you sit down and watch a movie such as "Clifford The Big Red Dog".

The movie also has a good ensemble of casted performers on the cast list, with the likes of Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, David Alan Grier and John Cleese.

If you enjoy family movies, then you should definitely take the time to sit down and watch "Clifford The Big Red Dog", as it was rather enjoyable.

My rating of "Clifford The Big Red Dog" lands on a well-deserved six out of ten stars.

Rather classical (with a thumb up for the inventive fight scene in the deli) but cute, funny and positive story with rather realistic special effects (not a spoiler: the dog's mum is a real dog, the puppies are CG) that will delight with joy and awe an young audience.

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.

This movie was just what I thought it was going to be. Just like the Clifford books and PBS show it is just as kid friendly and cute like the the show and books were showing.

The acting was fine and I think the actor playing Cliffords owner Emily Elizabeth was trying to give a good performance, sometimes it works but sometimes it's awkward.

The other actors are just silly because its a kids movie and they can be entertained by that, even when there is a big red dog running around.

Clifford was actually cute and lovable with pretty good effects making Clifford looking real, only when there are close ups of Emily Elizabeth riding Clifford it can obviously look like CGI.

But most of the effects work and I found myself liking what they have, even if it is random and made only to entertain kids.

If you like the Clifford the Big Red Dog books and PBS show then you might like this. Overall It was entertaining and surprising when it does something I didn't expect, but it's just a normal kids movie.

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.