Arctic Dogs movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Arctic Dogs

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour, 32 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: D- for Don’t bother

IN A NUTSHELL:

This is Entertainment Studio’s first animated feature. Directed by Aaron Woodley, this family-friendly movie is a BIG snore. The animation isn’t very good and it’s hard to get very excited about package deliveries. With a protagonist who has no redeeming qualities and an extremely boring, nonsensical plot, this disappointing movie is one to skip.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some creatures punch each other in the face as their “secret handshake.”
Various characters in perilous situations with cartoon violence.
The main character, Swifty, lies to impress a girl and misrepresents himself dishonestly to get attention.
Sometimes, big words are used or things talked about that young children won’t understand.
There are some thick French and Russian accents that sometimes make it hard to understand what is being said. During the last part of the movie, you even have a hard time understanding John Cleese with his British accent, as if he, himself, even got tired of the film.
Young children won’t be able to read the frequent writing in various scenes, but most of the time, the messages are read aloud.
No profanity.
Rude humor, as well as potty humor.
Some kissing.

THEMES:

Global warming
Be true to yourself
Teamwork
“Everyone is unique and has something special to offer.” – Swifty (Jeremy Renner)
“Dreams do come true, although not always in the way you expect them to.” – Swifty
Make the world a better place. Do what you can.

THINGS I LIKED:

The voice talents include Jeremy Renner, Heidi Klum, James Franco, John Cleese, Anjelica Huston, Alec Baldwin, and Omar Sy. Those big names must be where all the budget for this film went.
Some cute visual gags.
The big bear offers encouragement for Swifty when he hates his job and gets depressed by encouraging him to go to his “happy place.” That’s actually good advice. Our attitudes and thoughts affect how we perceive the world around us. If you can’t control your situation, you can always control your attitude.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

There isn’t much texture or detail to the animation. We have been spoiled by excellent animation from Pixar and Disney for years. What a brilliant way to save money on animation…make a white fox in the snow so you only have to draw eyes! Ha ha
Most of the humor just isn’t very funny.
No charm. No warmth (and I don’t just say that because it takes place in the Arctic.)
None of the characters are particularly inspiring. I like Jeremy Renner, but sadly, his character is a douchebag for most of the film.
Walrus with spider legs?
The ending is just a frantic mess. The rest of the movie is just boring and bland.
The plot makes no sense. Why would they need dogs to deliver the mail when there is all kinds of technology around them, as well as a big, strong bear who could have done it. This animated universe is just bizarre with no thought put into it.
Adorable puffins, although they looked more like tropical Toucans from the Amazon jungle. Unfortunately, they’re just not funny, especially considering they’re supposed to be the equivalent of the entertaining minions in Despicable Me.
This is a perfect example of a girl settling for a guy WAY below her. She’s so far out of his league. What a terrible role model for your daughters.
This movie feels much longer because it’s so bad. You’ll find yourself looking at your watch or cell phone.
It also feels like a movie that should have gone straight to DVD or Netflix.