The PAW Patrol are back, but this time, you’ll see them like you’ve never seen them before! The film opens at a junkyard where two workers encounter a mysterious person stealing a highly powerful magnet customarily used to lift and move various scraps. We soon learn that the person who stole it is a mad scientist named Victoria Vance (Taraji P. Henson). Victoria is aware of a meteorite passing Adventure Bay, and using various technologies, including the recently stolen magnet, she will attempt to retrieve the meteor for herself, believing it will give her superpowers.
However, when Victoria’s technology isn’t strong enough to pull the meteorite to herself as she intended, the giant meteor heads straight toward the PAW Patrol headquarters! Thankfully, the PAW Patrol escape the blast, but the meteor destroys the pup’s headquarters. While investigating the damage and the meteor, Ryder (voiced by Finn Lee-Epp) and the Pups soon discover that the meteor carries strange crystals. Now, the crystals are dispersed among the PAW Patrol members, giving them a special and unique ability. The Pups are more powerful than ever, each with different powers to help save those around Adventure Bay. However, when Victoria hears of the new Mighty Pups, she is not impressed. She will do anything to get a hold of the crystals from the meteor, even if it means partnering with an old PAW Patrol enemy: Mayor Humdinger (voiced by Ron Pardo).
Parents will be delighted to hear this is a highly entertaining, wholesome, clean film and not a torturous viewing experience for adults. PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is a sequel to PAW Patrol: The Movie, released in 2021. Fans of all things PAW Patrol may also be aware that this new film is based on a popular TV movie, released back in 2018 with a duration of 44 minutes. This new movie takes a similar approach by introducing fans to The Mighty Pups and their superpowers, but the plot is altered and upgraded. On top of the many changes in the plot, there’s a focus on one of the smallest members of the team: Skye (voiced by Mckenna Grace). Just as we learnt about Chase in the 2021 film, here we learn about Skye’s challenges and her sad past. Naturally, the journey of Skye alone packs a touching message that is powerful for all the small ‘pups’ in the cinema audience. This sequel carries more playful fun in the action and focuses more on drama. There is far less of the silly comedy we’ve seen previously, with only a few gags present.
Animation is, again, excellent. There’s some newly added fun among the visuals, such as the PAW Patrol obtaining new suits and vehicles, plus the film introduces new and familiar characters. Fans of the series will be delighted by the various easter eggs, such as the return characters who reappear briefly, like Cap’n Turbot (voiced by Ron Pardo). Sound effects are enjoyable, as is the musical score (by Pinar Toprak). The pacing, for the most part, is perfect, and the film’s short runtime is also welcomed; however, the third act does seem to repeat itself. We see the PAW Patrol dealing with one challenge after another just when you thought the film was about to end.
Overall, as a new instalment to the PAW Patrol, this movie is a fun ‘paw-ty’! As an adult, I’m proud to admit this film was able to move me emotionally. Skye’s journey and back story will be encouraging and powerful, even more so for all the small pups out there. It’s a brainless and fun film showcasing the PAW Patrol in a way that many haven’t seen yet, plus there’s some action and creative animation thrown in the mix. Parents will be excited to hear it’s not a torturous experience and a clean film for those of any age. As a sequel and new instalment, it’s a tasty treat.
19th September 2023
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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