The pups devoted to rescue are back up on the big screen and this time with superpowers in Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, the animated sequel to 2021’s Paw Patrol: The Movie.
The PG-rated film begins with a meteor headed straight for Adventure City, thanks to the work of mad scientist Victoria Vance (voiced by Taraji P. Henson). Naturally, the Paw Patrol kicks into action, working to clear the streets and get everyone out of the way of the gigantic crashing rock.
No one is injured, thanks to the quick work of the Paw Patrol. However, the crash of the meteor exposed the young pups to powerful energy crystals that had been hidden inside the space rock. Once released, these crystals give the Paw Patrol members superpowers.
Each pup receives a different power, such as being able to throw fire and transform into water. One even becomes strong like a boulder. Skye (voiced by Mckenna Grace), a Cockapoo pup, receives the ability to fly, which she’s thrilled about. Her newfound superpower helps her overcome her feelings of insecurity about being the runt of the group.
Because happy pups don’t make for much of a story, a villain is thrown into the mix in the form of their old nemesis, Humdinger. Humdinger has broken out of jail and teamed up with mad scientist Vance to steal the crystals from the Paw Patrol. Humdinger and Vance intend to use the superpowers to transform into supervillains that no one can defeat.
With Humdinger on the loose and up to no good, it falls upon the Paw Patrol to work together and try to stop the mad scientist and Humdinger from destroying Adventure City.
Colorful, cute, and with solid messages for children, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie is a fun, entertaining film for children 10 and under. The animated kid-friendly feature includes a handful of exciting action scenes. Especially impressive is a scene in which Skye must land a crashing jet onto the main city street with her pup teammates quickly clearing cars and people out of the way.
The movie benefits from a strong voice cast that includes Mckenna Grace, Kristen Bell, James Marsden, Chris Rock, Ron Pardo, Marsai Martin, Christian Convery, and Taraji P. Henson. The animation is an improvement over the Nickelodeon television series but unimpressive by today’s standards.
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie is a worthwhile watch for children who are fans of the television show and fit in the under-10 age group. There isn’t, however, anything in Paw Patrol for the adults. This one’s strictly for the kiddies who’ll be able to absorb and understand the intended positive messages of teamwork and having the courage to believe in yourself.
GRADE: B-
MPAA Rating: PG for mild action and peril
Running Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: September 29, 2023
Directed By: Cal Brunker
Studio: Paramount Pictures
