Cute doggies save the day — but this is also an insightful and kid-friendly look at trauma and anxiety
If you don’t have a toddler in your life, the world of Nick Jr.’s “Paw Patrol” world might not be one you recognize. I myself headed into a screening for “Paw Patrol: The Movie” as an ambivalent aunt, surrounded by little nieces and nephews who just squee in delight at the mere mention of their favorite animated hero pups. At best, I figured, they will have some fun, and I can be the cool Tia. So, you can imagine my surprised delight to find “Paw Patrol: The Movie” to be engaging, funny, and wonderful. Much of the credit goes to writer-director Cal Brunker (“The Nut Job 2”) and co-writers Billy Frolick (“Madagascar”) and Bob Barlen (“Arctic Dogs”), who have seamlessly created a movie world where you believe 10-year-olds can run around with their dogs (who, yes, can talk to humans) and save the city from political corruption. Yes, political corruption, but that’s not the only heavy theme peppered throughout the film: There are also messages about caring for your environment, unpacking trauma, owning your fear and way more complex storylines that contribute to the vivid animated world presented. Young human Ryder (voiced by newcomer Will Brisbin) and his squad of pups run Adventure Bay’s rescue operations. Top pup Chase (Iain Armitage, “The Glass Castle”) has felt safe since Ryder brought him home from the mean streets of Adventure City, a nearby town that sends them an emergency call via spirited dachshund Liberty (Marsai Martin, “Little”). Mayor Humdinger (“Paw Patrol” vet Ron Pardo) has not only won an unopposed election but he’s also putting the city’s dogs and humans in harm’s way through his attempts to create the “fun city” of his dreams.
