Directed By:
Walt Becker
Written By:
Jay Scherick, David Ronn, Blaise Hemingway
Starring:
Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, Izaac Wang
Genre:
Adventure, Comedy, Family
Rated PG for impolite humor, thematic elements and mild action
What to say about an enourmous CGI Red dog with a heart of gold? Apparently not much if you end up seeing this movie on Paramount + and in theaters. A girl finds a puppy– that turns into a big puppy, who then becomes a BIG PROBLEM.
It’s not that I didn’t like ‘Clifford’, it’s not even a dislike, it’s complete dissociation from a story that just never really clicks for me. A lot for familiar story beats that you can find from any other story about a new family pet, but focusing on “LOOK AT THIS BIG F$%CKING DOG” as the twist to make this stand above the rest.
I feel originality isn’t really their goal in the story though, so what is the intention here? Honestly, I think it’s made to be mediocre. A quickly put together plot that anyone can turn on and distract their kids with. There are decent performances for the story presented, the young girl who finds Clifford is fine, and Tony Hale as the villain of the story chews up the scenery in a fun way like Jim Carrey in ‘Sonic’.
Overall, ‘Clifford’ doesn’t measure up to be the next big hit in family adventures. If you already have Paramount + it may be worth your time to check it out, but otherwise it’s not a recommendation from me.
