Where I Watched It: Paramount Plus
English Audio Description?: Yes
I’m 40, and have no kids. Some might describe me as a giant man child, but I still am not a kid. However, I don’t believe in reviewing things in this ultra film snob way like Paw Patrol is offensively beneath me. It’s not made for me, which is something i think most adult critics need to be OK with, and that is fine. the Paw Patrol franchise is considered a Nick Jr series, not even a full Nickelodeon one that could arguably appeal to everyone. It is programming specifically targeted at young children.
While I don’t intend to review the original, as event his is barely a review, I did also watch the first feature in preparation for the sequel. that is the only contact I’ve had with this, and again, I have no kids. My gut instinct is a franchise like this doesn’t get this big without kids liking it, and the box office on these films has been solid.
Your kids will like it. it is inoffensive, and yet does manage to make the film feel like an actual feature, instead of just what I assume would be an extended episode of the series. It feels bigger than just a regular Nick Jr show, and worth your little ones time. I think the oldest kids that would be interested in this would be the ones who grew up with this when it first started over ten years ago. I know those kids are likely in high school, but nostalgia is real, and they can always watch this in secret without their friends knowing.
Even taking kids out of the consideration, I’ve still had worse times with other films this year. but grading this?
I came here to talk about the audio description, and amplify this to my readers that both films have audio description, which I felt like did a good job of following the action, and talking to a child audience. I think this description assumes for the most part you are familiar with the series, as there isn’t an extreme breakdown of each character and what they look like, or what type of dog they are, but a valiant effort is made to make cursory references for first timers.
That’s why I did this. because blind kids exist, and you as parents need to know that there is material out there made for them, with good audio description that will keep them engaged. I have no idea if the show is audio described, please don’t ask me to review ten seasons of this, but the films are.
I’m not grading this. If I had a little one, I’d ask them to grade it for me, or maybe let them write a review here. but, my opinion is just that this is perfect for your kids. When I was growing up, when i was little and my parents could not leave me alone, i know they probably watched more Sesame Street than they wanted. As I got older, I just watched my TV shows, without adult participation. When we went to the theatres, I know my parents sacrificed time to see things like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that they had no desire to see. This is not part of a new wave of animation that includes double entendre jokes for the adults. They are not interested in going above your kindergartener’s head. They would rather go below your head and aim right at your kid.
Now that it’s on streaming, turn this on, plunk them down, and let them have fun. There isn’t anything objectionable here. It’s a film made for kids. Truly.
Final Grade: Abstain.
