Paw Patrol: The Movie – PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021)

Directed by: Cal Brunker | 86 minutes | animation, adventure | Dutch voice cast: Rayen Panday, Julia Tan, Peter Pannekoek, Monica Geuze

Soon after “Paw Patrol” first appeared on international television screens in 2013, the originally Canadian adventure cartoon series became a huge hit with young children. The series, about a couple of cute rescue-working dog puppies, brings nice-looking yet exciting and compelling television. Add to that the effective merchandise strategy and the appeal of the preschool program is not difficult to explain. Now ‘Paw Patrol: The Movie’ has been added.

However, the step from fast television work to long-play format can still be quite difficult. Series like these are designed to create a great tension in a short time, with a nicely rounded plot line that generally revolves around one particular emotion or theme. Extending the playtime places more demands on a movie, if only to hold the attention longer. A single voltage arc is then not sufficient. And when a bow is sharpened multiple times, credibility is compromised. A controlled structure that always goes the extra mile seems to be the solution.

‘Paw Patrol: The Movie’ succeeds in that. When the large Adventure City enlists the help of the rescue team, led by teenager Ryder, they rush to it. Shortly before that, in the smooth and action-packed opening scene, they saved their own rustic Adventure Bay from impending doom. The big city decor nevertheless promises to be even more dangerous and adventurous. Their old adversary Humdinger has taken over. His vile plans threaten to bring great misfortune to the city. To the Paw Patrol to bring rescue. From a fireworks display gone wild to a weather station catastrophe, the film subtly brings the tension to a climax.

The main role in it is for puppy Chase, who was left behind in Adventure City by his owners as a newborn. Now that he comes back for the first time, he again experiences the fears he experienced then. In fact, he is so gripped with fear that his functioning begins to suffer and the inhabitants of the city are increasingly in danger. Fortunately, the team gets help from city dog ​​Liberty, who will gradually become their newest team member.

The focus on Chase and Liberty means that the other puppies get stuck in stereotypes or, worse, they remain completely underexposed. In addition to the serious hero, there are the comedian and the klutz. Other puppies have to make do with a single line of text and continue as an extra. As a result of this one-sided attention, the film feels somewhat one-dimensional. In addition, the dogs are very dependent on their technical aids. As an adult spectator, the emptiness and predictability dominate. However, the watching toddler is completely absorbed in it.