MOVIE REVIEW - Walking With Dinosaurs

After this franchise has been on TV, and a bunch of other formats, Walking With Dinosaurs finally makes it onto the big screen this weekend for families to enjoy.  And they will.

I wanted to review this movie for a few reasons. One, I had heard that dino-effects were a rival for Jurassic Park.   I also heard that much of this was set in a real setting of an Alaskan backdrop.  And I also was interested to see just how they would handle the reality of dinosaur life and make it palatable for the entire family while keeping it entertaining.

The story, in reality is not very important here.  Of course, it is very simple, elementary and very friendly for the entire family.  And for those wondering, yes the dinosaurs do "talk," but it's in the narrative sense.   They actually don't move their mouths and speak.  And maybe the best part is, this is not a "cartoon" or animated movie.  Certainly there are many definitions of animation, and yes these are computer generated, but it's not a "cartoon."  And that's a great decision.

I always applaud the fact that studios can make movies that the family can enjoy together and not be animated.  And this is one of them.  These dino's are amazingly real, all the while placed in magnificent backdrops.  The attention to detail is remarkable in these creatures, and so is the sheer size and scope of this project.  This is very easy on the senses, as it is not too chaotic and loud.  And to its credit, it is not too long checking in at 85 minutes, and that's plenty for everyone.

The writers handle most all of this very well.  They carefully explain who all the dinosaurs are in definition form for all to learn. They also write a nice story, and handle the realities of pre-historic life about as well as you can. Truth is, dinosaurs attack and eat each other, and they do so here as well.  But it's not to intense, or violent, and is certainly not too much to take for virtually anyone. But you know your kids best, and what they can handle.

Walking With Dinosaurs. A nice family movie for the holidays. Load up and go.