Name: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Genre: Family, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Released: 2021-11-10T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, Izaac Wang, John Cleese, Tony Hale

In a sunlit New York City park, a small red puppy named Clifford snuggles into the arms of Emily Elizabeth, his young owner. This moment of quiet connection is fleeting; by morning, Clifford has grown to the size of a skyscraper, his bright red fur contrasting against the city’s concrete jungle. Clifford the Big Red Dog, directed by Walt Becker, leans into this fantastical premise with CGI-driven spectacle and a heartwarming message, but struggles to elevate its source material beyond serviceable family entertainment.

Based on Norman Bridwell’s beloved children’s book series, the film follows Emily (Darby Camp), a middle schooler who feels like an outsider at home and school. Her life changes when she adopts Clifford, a tiny puppy destined for something extraordinary. When Clifford magically grows to enormous proportions, Emily and her uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) go on the run from a genetics company interested in exploiting him. Along the way, Clifford’s presence affects everyone around him, teaching lessons about acceptance and unconditional love.

The film’s visual spectacle is its strongest suit. Clifford, rendered through CGI, is a towering figure who dominates every frame he occupies. The scenes where Clifford interacts with the city are visually engaging, particularly a sequence where he chases after a food truck, causing traffic mayhem. Becker’s direction excels in these moments of scale, using New York City as a vibrant backdrop that contrasts beautifully with Clifford’s bright red fur. These sequences evoke the whimsical charm of films like Paddington, where a fantastical element disrupts and ultimately enhances the real world.

However, the film’s pacing and narrative structure are its Achilles’ heel. The first half of the movie is bogged down by exposition and predictable plot points. Emily’s struggles with fitting in at school and home are well-trodden territory, and her emotional arc feels somewhat generic. The introduction of the genetics company subplot adds unnecessary conflict that disrupts the film’s emotional core. This narrative detour feels like a misstep, as it shifts the focus away from the heartwarming relationship between Emily and Clifford to a more conventional action-adventure storyline.

The performances are solid but unremarkable. Darby Camp carries the emotional weight of the film well, conveying Emily’s loneliness and her growing bond with Clifford. Her performance is heartfelt, though sometimes overshadowed by the film’s reliance on CGI spectacle. Jack Whitehall brings a lighthearted energy to his role as Casey, providing much-needed comedic relief. His chemistry with Camp is palpable, and their interactions are some of the film’s highlights.

The supporting cast, however, feels underutilized. John Cleese, as the kindly animal rescuer Bridwell, is given little to work with. His character lacks depth, and his motivations feel simplistic. Tony Hale, as Tieran, the villain behind the genetics company, is reduced to a caricature of corporate greed and fares slightly better but still struggles to make an impact. The film’s attempts at humor often fall flat, relying too heavily on slapstick gags that feel more suited for younger audiences.

The film’s attempt to blend fantasy with real-world stakes is commendable but ultimately uneven. The message of acceptance and unconditional love is clear and well-intentioned, but it’s delivered through heavy-handed dialogue and overly simplistic resolutions. The emotional beats, such as Emily finding her place in the world, are satisfying but predictable.

Clifford the Big Red Dog is a film that will likely entertain younger viewers with its vibrant visuals and heartfelt themes. However, for older audiences, it may feel like a missed opportunity to explore more nuanced storytelling. The film’s reliance on CGI spectacle over character development limits its emotional impact, and its narrative structure feels disjointed.

Comparisons to other family films like Paddington and Okja are inevitable, but Clifford the Big Red Dog falls short in terms of originality and depth. While it captures the spirit of its source material, it fails to translate the charm and warmth of Bridwell’s books into a compelling cinematic experience.

In conclusion, Clifford the Big Red Dog is a serviceable family film that will likely find an audience among younger viewers. However, for those seeking a more nuanced and original take on the family adventure genre, this film may leave them wanting more.