Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brave, talented pups save the day in pre-K adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
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Where to Watch
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PAW Patrol: The Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a fun adventure that appeals primarily to younger audiences, featuring mild peril and good messages about bravery and teamwork, yet some adult viewers find it simplistic and lacking depth. While many enjoy the animation and emotional moments, critics point out flaws such as the shallow storyline and noticeable consumerism, suggesting it may not satisfy older viewers.
- fun adventure
- good messages
- simplistic flaws
- aimed at children
- emotional moments
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE, Ryder (voiced by Will Brisbin) and the pups' dog-hating arch-nemesis, Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo), is elected the new mayor of Alphabet City -- the "big city" near the pups' hometown of Adventure Bay. He forces a meteorologist to turn over the use of a "cloud catcher" weather-controlling device and wreaks general havoc on everything from a fireworks display to mass transit with his selfish plans. Scrappy young pup Liberty (Marsai Martin) calls the rescue team to let them know that Adventure City could use their help, but Chase (Iain Armitage) feels anxious about returning to the city where he has a sad past. Mayor Humdinger, who has six cats, keeps abusing the cloud catcher to make sure that the weather is sunny and starts rounding up and caging dogs.
Is It Any Good?
These adorable, selfless rescue pups are irresistible to preschoolers, who will be delighted by the movie's sweet, simple adventure. Sometimes studios will cut corners with movies aimed at toddlers and preschoolers, figuring the littlest viewers will be happy to watch any animated movie about talking animals, but that's not the case here. Yes, families with existing PAW Patrol fans may have a deeper, more immediate connection to the story, but even audiences who don't know anything more than the theme song will be pleasantly surprised at the movie being much more than just superficial silliness. Its themes of teamwork, trust-building, and courage are overt without being preachy, and the celebrity voice cameos will make parents laugh, like Jimmy Kimmel playing a TV reporter, Tyler Perry as a truck driver in need of saving, and even Kim Kardashian West as a fancy poodle (naturally).
It's particularly exciting to see that the pups' new recruit is brave, outspoken Liberty, a charming and much needed second girl to join the male-dominated team. Liberty demonstrates her readiness to be on the Patrol with her intuitive observational skills, her courageous willingness to help, and her desire to make a difference. Chase has the biggest story arc -- just as he does on the show -- but all the pups have a moment to shine, a scene that lets them show off how they're pivotal and irreplaceable to the team. Families with young kids will enjoy all the ways the pups act as community helpers and, in the process, encourage and support one another too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about themes of perseverance, courage, and teamwork in PAW Patrol: The Movie. Why are these such important character strengths?
Why is it important that Liberty is a girl? How does she make a positive addition the team?
How does this movie compare to the TV series? What do you like about the movie? What do you prefer about the show?
Did you find any parts of the movie scary? How much "scary stuff" is OK for little kids?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 20, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : August 20, 2021
- Cast : Iain Armitage , Marsai Martin , Will Brisbin , Ron Pardo
- 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 : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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