Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superpowered pups use teamwork, courage vs. evil scientist.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 46 parent reviews
Parents say the film, while enjoyable for some young viewers, raises concerns regarding its intense and dark themes that may be too frightening for younger children. Many parents report that their kids were scared, had crying episodes, and expressed anxiety during or after watching due to the violent content and perilous situations presented in the story, leading to a mixed reception overall.
- too intense
- frightening themes
- mixed reception
- not suitable for young
- good for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a mixed bag, offering both nostalgic value for long-time fans and harsh criticism for its script and character development. While some found it emotionally engaging and suitable for children, others deemed it a soulless cash grab with inappropriate content, ultimately divided on its entertainment quality and message.
- nostalgic appeal
- emotional engagement
- poor character development
- inappropriate content
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE, a scientist named Victoria Vance (voiced by Taraji P. Henson) steals powerful magnets in Adventure City to lure a meteor to Earth. When the PAW Patrol foils her plans, she's sent to prison, and the pups end up discovering that the meteor's crystals grant them superpowers, starting with teeny pilot Skye (McKenna Grace), who gains super strength and the ability to fly. The others soon touch their own crystals and find their powers: Rubble (Luxton Handspiker) turns into a wrecking ball, Zuma (Nylan Parthipan) controls water, Chase (Christian Convery) has super speed, Marshall (Christian Corrao) can manipulate fire, and Rocky (Callum Shoniker) becomes magnetic. Liberty (Marsai Martin), however, can't seem to summon a power, so Ryder (Finn Lee-Epp) assigns her to train the three puppies in the team's new "Junior PAW Patrol" crew of even littler puppies. While the pups try out their new powers, Victoria meets Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) in prison, and the villainous duo (plus Humdinger's cats) plan a prison break -- and a destructive plan for more powers.
Is It Any Good?
The adorable rescue pups continue to charm little kids and their parents, and this sweet sequel reminds all viewers that even the tiny can be mighty. For more than 10 years, the PAW Patrol show and its feature-film spin-offs have helped it remain one of the most popular franchises for little kids. Writer-director Cal Brunker ups the action ante in this installment with the addition of superpowers that heighten the pups' existing rescue abilities as they go up against Victoria Vance, a typical movie megalomaniac who cares more about her own grandeur than the risk that her experiments pose on everyone around her.
Skye's subplot will particularly resonate with young audiences, since she initially feels like her small size makes her the team's weakest link. The movie explores her heart-tugging backstory as the unwanted "runt" of her litter, whom Ryder eventually rescues. As the story unfolds, Skye realizes that her self-worth isn't tied to her size but to her inner strength and resilience. Meanwhile, Liberty's character development delves into her apparent lack of a superpower. Looking for a purpose, Liberty focuses on teaching her trio of plucky Junior pups how to be heroes, too. The rest of the team also has individual moments to shine, making this another winning installment in the PAW Patrol universe.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about themes of perseverance, courage, and teamwork in PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Why are these such important character strengths?
What do you think about the dogs' superpowers? What superpower do you wish you could have?
How does this movie compare to the TV series? Which do you like better? Why?
Did you find any parts of the movie scary? How much "scary stuff" is OK for little kids?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 29, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : December 22, 2023
- Cast : McKenna Grace , Taraji P. Henson , Marsai Martin
- Director : Cal Brunker
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action/peril
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 16, 2025
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