PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, 2023.
Directed by Cal Brunker.
Featuring the voice talents of Christian Convery, Mckenna Grace, Taraji P. Henson, Kristen Bell, Lil Rel Howery, James Marsden, Finn Lee-Epp, Serena Williams, Alan Kim, Brice Gonzalez, Kim Kardashian, North West, Marsai Martin, Ron Pardo, Callum Shoniker, Luxton Handspiker, Christian Corrao, Nylan Parthipan, Saint West, Chris Rock, Kim Roberts, Iain Armitage, Tyler Perry, Yara Shahidi, Jimmy Kimmel, and Dax Shepard.
SYNOPSIS:
A magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City and gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The Mighty Pups
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie wouldn’t exist.
An energetic newscaster notes that typically, superheroes are overpaid celebrities in spandex before acknowledging that, in PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, they are the scrappy team of dogs performing good deeds that generally involve rescuing a civilian in peril. Due to some interference on behalf of a mad scientist insisting that she isn’t one despite playing into the archetype at every turn (and voiced by Taraji P. Henson), a meteor crashes into the metropolis that, upon further inspection, contains magical crystals with each one granting a member of the PAW Patrol (canine interpretations of a police officer, firefighter and more) a superpower that falls in line with their special skill (the usual abilities such as enhanced speed, flight, elemental control, and others.)
It is perhaps a little late for director Cal Brunker (crafting the story and screenplay alongside Bob Barlen and Shane Morris, based on characters created by Keith Chapman and the hit children’s TV show) to capitalize on the superhero craze with PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, but the filmmakers do deserve credit for attempting to deliver worthwhile messaging on what constitutes strength and how it has no relation to size. Unfortunately, they aren’t committed to that message and, if anything, seem to inadvertently be making the misguided point that size doesn’t matter as long as you have a superpower to compensate for that shortcoming.
Let’s also be realistic; I am not the target demographic for PAW Patrol anything, although that doesn’t mean there’s no room to enjoy aspects of this slice of animation (which has slightly better visual effects than what you might find that Nickelodeon, but nothing too impressive.) There is fun to be had for young children in observing the pups perform rescues while taking advantage of their new powers, but the real surprise is that the script is just as concerned with how this new dynamic changes certain characters and gives them a newfound sense of worth and capability. Similarly, one dog apparently doesn’t receive any powers from the crystal, relegated to hanging back at the advanced base, mentoring some young pups aspiring to be just like them (voiced by Kanye West’s children and Minari’s Alan Kim, having the time of their lives.)
In addition to the previously mentioned new villain, fan-favorite corrupt Mayor Humdinger also returns to end this patrol’s heroic ways. It’s a choice that will most likely satisfy children, but someone tasked with assessing this film critically, such as myself, might find it to get in the way of a different character arc the narrative is getting at, showing what happens when one allows ridicule and nastiness to eat away at them so much, they become the bad guy. There is also an expansive cast of recognizable famous voices ranging from Kristin Bell to Chris Rock, sliding in alongside the regular ensemble of child actors (Christian Convery, Mckenna Grace, Marsai Martin, to name a few) who clearly know how to appeal to and relate to their younger viewer peers.
Again, it is worth appreciating that PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie has an emotional core and isn’t simply settling for superpowered gimmicks, but with a few obvious tweaks here and there, the story could have actually taught children an important, useful lesson. It is a letdown in that regard, but there are far worse and lazier animated features out there to distract kids with for 90 minutes. Consider it more mediocre than mighty.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
