The Paw Patrol are back. And they’ve got Jurassic problems on their hands… er… paws.
In Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, Ryder and the pups find themselves stranded on an uncharted tropical island that’s filled with dinosaurs. After connecting with Rex ((Hayden Chamberlain), a pup who’s been alone on the island for some time, the team learn how to survive and thrive. Though, after Mayor Humdinger discovers the islands invaluable source of resources, his decision to life an honourable life is quickly thrown out the window. As his plans cause the island to collapse, the pups are thrown into the volatile dangers of their volcanic world, forcing them into some dino-sized rescues.
Directed by Cal Brunker, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie is a delightful return to the uncharted lands of Adventure Bay that should charm fans of the franchise. As the third official film of the Paw Patrol universe, Dino Movie once again adapts one of their more recent television seasons for the big screen. (The same approach was taken for The Mighty Movie as well.) However, changes have been made and the animation is a massive step up, showing that a bigger budget has been well-utilized.
Admittedly, this film continues to be a series that targets little ones. Plots are simple, characters are brightly coloured and any messages are laid out clearly. Like the series, The Dino Movie isn’t a film that’s going to cross generations, unless you have kids who grew up with the series that are interested in stepping in the world outside Adventure Bay for nostalgic fun. (Like my 11-year-old, frankly.)
But that’s not a criticism at all. Brunker and his team ensures that the Paw Patrol continues to show why the pups are indeed still a ‘thing’. While former-Mayor Humdinger remains a doubter in their abilities, the Paw Patrol still have the same joyful way to deal with big problems as they always have. These are characters who have rescued friends from sea to space and done so with an almost unflappable attitude of positivity. Even when they’re facing their toughest challenges, they remain consistent. That sort of emotional regulation is always important for little ones to see, especially as they’re learning how to process solutions.
And this type of learning taps into the key storyline for this installment of the franchise as Marshall faces some of his toughest challenges. It’s interesting in some ways how the little fire dog begins the film with confidence. Believing that ‘rescue pups’ don’t make mistakes, he bounds around onscreen with the belief that he can do no wrong. (There’s even a sense of irony about this as even he recognizes that he’s often there for comic relief.)
But, as the events on Dino Island begin to unfold, Marshall soon discovers that he’s just as prone to make mistakes as anyone else. And, more importantly, those mistakes don’t define him as much as what he does afterwards.
Again, it’s a simple message but it’s solid messaging for little ones. At an age where they’re trying to figure out what it means to grow up, younger children struggle to recognize what it means to be imperfect and Paw Patrol helps engage that topic in an age-appropriate manner.
What’s more, Paw Patrol also does an excellent job of being aware of representation. They often elevate female characters and add new ones that help give voice to underserved populations. In The Dino Movie, that idea comes in with the return of Rex, the enthusiastic and energetic new pup that gets around on wheels. For the franchise, his addition provides a character that young children with disabilities. Living for two years on Dino Island on his own, his wheels are anything but a hindrance as he has managed to show his ingenuity and strength in a dangerous land. He’s fun, curious and as invaluable as the rest of the pups. In doing so, one has to respect the Paw Patrol franchise for continuing to show how all kids are important.
In the end, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie doesn’t offer any particular surprises, nor does it reach outside its target audience. However, for a franchise that continues to endure with adorable energy, one can’t fault them for that either. Just like their previous films (and the series itself, for that matter), there’s a furious joy within this film that engages kids while providing a safe learning environments for them as well.
Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie is available in theatres on Friday, August 14th, 2026.
