Cut to the chase: Though we’ve seen this story told before, “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” introduces new lovable characters and finetunes the plot with a more interesting villain to make this sequel a paw-erful installment.
A Mighty Original Story
If you’ve had children any time in the past decade, it would be nearly impossible to miss “Paw Patrol”, the animated phenom that has delighted young viewers and often tormented parents with its unforgettable catch phrases and addictive theme music. Following the property’s first feature film, “Paw Patrol: The Movie”, which released in 2021, the sequel is what many loyal fans have been anxiously awaiting: the silver screen origin story that puts into cinematic history how Chase and his fellow patrollers gained their super hero powers.
Taraji P. Henson as “Vee” in Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
For many (this PP fan-by-association included), the 44-minute special episode “Mighty Pups” and its Little Golden Book counterpart told the definitive history of how the crew gained their incredible gifts. “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” insists on retelling and rewriting the story with a few changes, taking out Humdinger’s nephew Harold as the main villain and replacing him with Victoria Vance (Taraji P. Henson), a maniacal, brainy super villain who has concocted her own evil scheme of pulling meteors down from space. When one such large rock lands in Adventure City, the Paw Patrol save the citizens from impending destruction. They also discover the meteor contains crystals that give them incredible powers.
North West as “Mini” and Alan Kim as “Nano” in Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
No Pup is Too Small
The first theatrical film focused on the emotional evolution of Chase, the badge-wearing police dog who acts as number two under Ryder, the human pup wrangler. “The Mighty Movie” sets its sights on the only original female dog in the litter, Skye (voiced by Mckenna Grace). As the smallest of the bunch, Skye struggles with feeling, for lack of a better word, mighty. That is, until she experiences life with super powers. The newfound strength and ability to fly boost her confidence. The flipside, of course, is that when crazed Victoria impounds Skye’s crystal, the pup will do anything to get it back, even if it means risking the crystals belonging to her friends.
North West as “Mini” and Alan Kim as “Nano” in Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie
The themes here are easy to follow and surprisingly sweet, even from an oversimplified property like “Paw Patrol”. At times, it feels like the dialogue is merely a series of catch phrases – “I feel the need for super speed!” “Coming in hot!” “When you go up against one of us, you go up against all of us.” – but that should be expected by anyone familiar with the show. Liberty, the new patroller from the last film, is back again. This sequel also introduces a trio of adorable fluff balls named Mini, Nano and Tot. They provide immense comic relief. Even if the ending is visible from a mile away, “The Mighty Movie” will have everyone rooting for the underdog.
“Sorry Parents”
There are several witty nods throughout the film aimed at the older crowd who are inevitably watching the film with their smaller wards. At one point, writer-director Cal Brunker, who was the creative force behind the first film as well, uses the script to apologize to parents for the inevitable rollout of new toys and merchandise, and there are a smattering of adult-geared jokes that make the lean 92 minute flick digestible for everyone.
But let’s be honest. Good or bad, if your little is a fan, you will likely be shelling out the time and money to see this one. They’ve partnered with the movie theaters to sell Paw Patrol concession souvenirs: $20 gets you a branded popcorn bucket and cup with a specialty pup on the lid. Should we expect any less from the property that hit its 10-year anniversary this summer? It’s endured because the kids love it, and we love it for them. Mighty Pups to the rescue!
Know before you go
MPAA Rating: PG for mild action/peril
Recommended Age: 4+
Runtime: 92 minutes
Nightmare Inducers: The film’s villain Victoria Vance along with crowd-favorite evil mastermind Mayor Humdinger have absolutely no bite. They cackle and plot, some of which (particularly the science of it all, or lack there of) will go over young viewers heads. Even the danger of the meteor falling onto the city is counteracted by the patrollers’ swift and decisive action. There is nothing that remotely scared the three-year-old I had with me.
Difficult Concepts or Emotions: Skye is abandoned as a puppy in an emotional sequence that could upset some sensitive viewers. The emphasis on her size and feeling held back may also be a point to which many small audience members can relate. Overall, these are not particularly novel ideas, nor are they overly potent to viewers.
