Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet if unsurprising adaptation promotes teamwork.
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Clifford the Big Red Dog
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is sweet and serves as a fun family-friendly choice for young children, but some criticize it for not sticking to the beloved original stories, particularly regarding character portrayals and adult humor. While many appreciate its positive messages and enjoy the humor, others find it flawed, citing inappropriate scenes and a lack of true engagement for older viewers.
- sweet family film
- positive messages
- lacks originality
- mixed reception
- some adult humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG is the first live-action adaptation of the classic children's book series by the late Norman Bridwell -- books that were previously turned into a popular animated TV show aimed at preschoolers. This version, directed by Walt Becker, sticks with Clifford's origin story. Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) is a middle schooler who seems like the poorest and loneliest girl at her posh Manhattan private school. Emily is left in the care of her irresponsible, immature Uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) when her mom, Maggie (Sienna Guillory), leaves for a business trip. After coming across Bridwell's Animal Rescue -- a tent of animals up for adoption in Central Park -- Emily instantly connects with an adorable cherry-red puppy. Later, Emily realizes the puppy has somehow been placed in her backpack by the mysterious Mr. Bridwell (John Cleese). Overnight, Clifford the pup becomes supersized, creating a huge challenge for Emily, who wants to keep him at all costs, and Casey, who can barely take care of himself, much less his niece's enormous new pet. Then, when news about the giant red dog hits social media, Tieran (Tony Hale), the CEO of a company called Lyfgro, makes plans to steal Clifford to use whatever made him so big to help food become supersized.
Is It Any Good?
This crowd-pleasing, if uneven, adaptation of Bridwell's beloved classic books is saved by the sweetness of its story about a girl who loves her very big red dog. There was a moment, when the movie's teaser trailer first came out, when it looked like this version of Clifford would be stuck in the creepy awkwardness of the uncanny valley. Thankfully, the final film is better -- and cuter -- than expected. Emily's bond with the red puppy is easy for any pet lover to understand. Camp does a fine job of gazing lovingly at a CGI creation, and her apartment's neighborhood is believably diverse and ready to band together to save one of their own. While it seems unlikely that Emily would get so unreservedly and openly harassed by the rich mean girls at her school, her friendship with quirky classmate Owen (Izaac Wong) is cute and built upon their shared sense of "otherness" (hers based in class, his based on being Asian and nerdy).
Where the movie struggles is the script, which is credited to Jay Scherick, David Ronn, and Blaise Hemingway. For example, why is the movie's villain the CEO of a company whose mission seems positive (feeding the world)? That's more than a bit confusing for younger viewers, who won't understand the morally ambiguous position that Big Agra holds in society. And some of Uncle Casey's one-liners and conversations with Emily are also questionably immature. There are also directorial questions, like why the British Whitehall (unnecessarily) uses his American accent while his sister Maggie is English (it's explained in a throwaway line, but it still doesn't make much sense). Despite those flaws, the story is undeniably tenderhearted, and Clifford is such a delightful dog that even cynical parents will understand why Emily's heart melts for him.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the continued popularity of classic children's books and shows. What are some other books or kids' programs you wish would get adapted into a movie? Is there a new generation of fans for Clifford?
How do the characters demonstrate compassion, empathy, and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
How do you think this live-action version of Clifford compares with the picture book and TV versions of Clifford? Do the story's changes make sense? Do you like how the characters were adapted into a live-action movie, or would you have preferred another animated feature?
Were any parts of the movie scary to you? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 10, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : February 1, 2022
- Cast : Darby Camp , Jack Whitehall , Izaac Wang , Tony Hale
- Director : Walt Becker
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : impolite humor, thematic elements and mild action
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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