Dinosaur Train: Dinosaur Big City
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Engaging, educational movie promotes curiosity and respect.
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Based on 3 parent reviews
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What's the Story?
In DINOSAUR BIG CITY, the Pteranodon family sets off for Larimidia to join their friends at the Theropod Club Convention. Inspired by Buddy's (voiced by Phillip Corlett) curiosity about what the future holds for him when he's a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex, the Pteranodons hop aboard the Dinosaur Train and head for the metropolis, where they encounter more species of dinosaurs -- especially theropods -- than they've ever seen in one place. Joined by his friend Annie Tyrannosaurus (Erika-Shaye Gaire) and her parents, Buddy learns all about what distinguishes theropods from the rest of the prehistoric creatures -- and along the way, he manages to help his friend King Cryolophosaurus (Phil Hayes) overcome his fear of singing in front of a crowd.
Is It Any Good?
Dinosaur Big City builds on the success of the TV series by transferring all of the show's positive attributes to this story that challenges kids' retention skills with its multi-part format. As usual, Buddy's curiosity about his surroundings and the creatures he encounters treats kids to a virtual exploration of prehistoric times through the eyes of a youngster, and his discoveries become their own as he learns something new at every turn. Kids will be eager to point out similar features on theropods along with Buddy, and the exercise will encourage them to think critically about the species that inhabit their own world.
The movie's educational qualities aren't limited to science, though -- parents will be equally impressed with the story's attention to pro-social messages about being a good friend, helping others, and being respectful. Buddy's quest to understand what makes him part of a unique group of dinosaurs reminds kids to take pride in their own individuality, respect the things that make others different, and feel secure in their unique place within their family and their community.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about individuality. What characteristics make Buddy different from his family? Who does he share those features with? What are some of your unique qualities? Which ones make you most proud to be you?
Kids: What did this movie teach you about how dinosaurs lived? How do scientists learn about creatures that existed millions of years ago? What clues can their bones give us about how and where they lived?
Which characters are good examples of kindness in this story? When have you shown kindness to a friend or sibling? How does it make you feel to do something helpful for someone? How does it feel to be treated kindly yourself?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 23, 2011
- Cast: Claire Corlett, Phil Hayes, Phillip Corlett
- Directors: Craig Bartlett, Karl Toerge, Terry Izumi
- Studio: PBS
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Dinosaurs
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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