Everyone’s favorite big red dog makes the live-action jump to the big screen in Clifford The Big Red Dog.
When Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) meets a magical animal rescuer who gives her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant, 10-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. With her single mother away on business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle (Jack Whitehall) set out on an adventure that takes a bite out of the Big Apple.
At the heart of the story, Clifford the Big Red Dog addresses the acceptance and how different people approach it, proving that different doesn’t mean bad, but rather something that deserves to be celebrated. Filled with plenty of laughs thanks mainly to the trouble created between Emily and Clifford, as well as some heartwarming moments that will make your heart melt.
Director Walt Becker’s decision to tweak Clifford’s origin story by making him a red dog that magically grows large due to how much you love him might seem a bit odd, but remember that children are the target audience here so try to look past it. I mean, when you see Clifford deliver those sad puppy dog eyes, you can’t help but not love him.
Darby Camp absolutely shines in her role as Emily Elizabeth. Camp is just a ball of charm and sweetness. If you remember her from Big Little Lies will know that she has what it takes to carry a movie. Her bond with Clifford and the chemistry she has with Jack Whitehall (you might recognize Whitehall from this year’s Jungle Cruise) is the heart and soul of this movie. When Clifford and her start to connect, it’s so hard not to want to give them a big hug and protect them from the bullies of this world. Camp brings the heart, but Whitehall comes in strong with the laughs. His character doesn’t get much of a story arc, Whitehall’s natural ability to be funny delivers some of the film’s laugh-out-loud moments.
Overall, Clifford the Big Red Dog is a colorful, funny, and well-meaning movie, and after the past two years, everyone needs to see something that shows that love, kindness, and toughness can conquer anything that comes our way. As Emily says herself, “ I wish we were big and strong and the world couldn’t hurt us.”
Clifford the Big Red Dog is now playing in theaters and streaming only on Paramount+.
What did you think of the film? Let us know in the comments.
