ABC Film Challenge – Catch Up 2022 – C – Clifford the Big Red Dog
Director: Walt Becker
Writer: Jay Scherick, David Ronn, Blaise Hemingway (Screenplay) Norman Bridwell (Book Series)
Cast: Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, Izaac Wang, John Cleese, Sienna Guillory, Tony Hale, David Alan Grier, Horatio Sanz
Plot: A young girl’s love for a tiny puppy named Clifford makes the dog grow to an enormous size.
Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Clifford the Big Red Dog starts as bullied schoolgirl Emily (Camp) is left in the care of her Uncle Casey (Whitehall). Her mother Maggie (Guillory) heads off for work. Emily gets drawn to an animal rescue tent, run by Bridwell (Cleese). He has an adorable red puppy dog that follows Emily home.
Casey reluctantly agrees to let Emily keep Clifford for one night, only for him to grow to a massive size. Clifford gets released in New York city drawing the attention of seedy scientist Tieran (Hale). He wants Clifford for his research, wanting to use him for his profit.
Thoughts on Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford the Big Red Dog is a family-friendly adventure movie. The story brings us the tale of wishes that can change lives. Showing how a wish brings to life a giant size dog, one that will be harmlessly run around New York. It is a dog that will bring together the neighbourhood and give a little girl happiness. Something she doesn’t have in everyday life.
This is based on an animated show, bringing the harmless dog to life. This is like many of the live-action animated shows like Scooby-Doo and Garfield. The animal never feels connected, despite the heart of the character being strong.
There is plenty of heart in this movie, the message about being treated equally. Finding love in animals and learning to fit into a bigger crowd. The performances are fun, Darby Camp shines, while Jack Whitehall brings the fast-paced laughs. Tony Hale as the villainous scientist is delightfully over the top.
Final Thoughts – Clifford the Big Red Dog is a fun family film, with heart and laughs along the way.
