The Good Dinosaur

PG
Starring the voices of: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Mc Graw, Jack Bright, Jeffrey Wright,
Frances McDormand and Sam Elliott
Running Time: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes

This is the second Disney Pixar release this year. "The Good Dinosaur" is following on the heels of  the extremely popular "Inside Out".
This movie has a little different spin from the theory that we have always been taught about the comet hitting the earth and destroying all dinosaur life. In this movie the comet misses the earth and so the dinosaurs and the humans coexist at the same time for a totally different perspective.
The baby dinosaur Arlo (Jack McGraw) is hatched into a very loving and supportive family. He learns the importance of survival and being self- supportive. He is taught how to grow corn and harvest it for the year.
He needs to work hard so that he can follow in his family's footsteps and have the honor of putting his paw print on the corn silo alongside his parents and siblings. He soon finds that the work is more difficult than what he ever imagined.
One tragic day he is out alone with his father (Jeffrey Wright) when a horrible storm overtakes them and he is separated from his father. His father perishes and young Arlo finds himself lost and alone.
He encounters a young cave boy named Spot (Jack Bright). Arlo is very reluctant and after a rocky start the two of them form a bond and become the dearest of friends.
This was a very unique and different movie than what I had anticipated from Pixar. I enjoyed it but it was not all that I had hoped for. There were some very serious moments which were quite intense for young viewers. The graphics were incredible and the animation was state-of-the-art which we have all come to expect from a Pixar movie.
Parents be advised: this movie is rated PG, a lot more real-life drama and excitement than I had been  expecting. Young Arlo encountered many difficult situations which could be upsetting for young viewers. He had to deal with separation, death, attacks, bad storms loneliness and heartbreak. I think it is appropriate for children over the age of seven. I took my little four year old grandson and I felt like it was too intimidating for him.
Also, the Pixar short before the movie was sweet but also a little intimidating and scary for young children.
I am giving "The Good Dinosaur" three bags of popcorn.