PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie — A Kids’ Adventure on the Big Screen

The third theatrical entry in the PAW Patrol franchise, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, is scheduled to open on Friday, August 14. The film follows the ten-year-old human leader Ryder (Henry Bolan) and his rescue-puppy team as they rescue a fishing family from a burning vessel, only to have their ship run aground on an uncharted island populated by dinosaurs. On the island, the pups meet Rex (Hayden Chamberlen), a dino-expert who navigates with a dog-wheelchair, and confront Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo), who arrives with henchmen Harper (Meredith MacNeill) and explosives expert Alistair (Terry Crews) to mine the island’s diamonds, inadvertently triggering a volcanic eruption. The narrative strings together rescue missions—including saving a Brontosaurus from a ravine—and culminates in a dinosaur stampede before the team restores order.

Hollywood Reporter

PAW Patrol originated as a preschool-targeted television series that has expanded into a multi-billion-dollar franchise of toys, books, and films. The series centers on a group of anthropomorphic puppies who perform search-and-rescue operations under Ryder’s direction. The Dino Movie continues this premise while introducing a prehistoric setting and a disability-positive character in Rex, reflecting the franchise’s ongoing emphasis on inclusive messaging for young viewers.

The Wrap

According to Comicbasics, the film holds an 82 % score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 11 reviews. Individual critics have assigned the following grades: M.N. Miller (FandomWire) – 7/10; Courtney Howard (Fresh Fiction) – B+; Carla Hay (Culture Mix) – “fresh” rating; Tessa Smith (Mama’s Geeky) – “fresh” rating. William Bibbiani provided a “Rotten” rating, representing the minority dissent.

‘Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie’ Gets Its Rotten Tomatoes Score, Here’s the Verdict

Positive coverage emphasizes the movie’s blend of humor, heart, and straightforward life lessons. ) and teamwork (“Never give up”). The outlet also highlights the inclusion of a wheelchair-using pup as a “responsible” representation of disability.

‘Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie’ Gets Its Rotten Tomatoes Score, Here’s the Verdict

TheWrap critic William Bibbiani argued that the film’s commercial, toy-driven aesthetic resembles the dystopian entertainment depicted in *RoboCop*, suggesting the movie’s style undermines its wholesome intent. The same outlet raised ideological concerns, asserting that the story implicitly promotes privatized civil services, portrays the wealthy as inherently altruistic, and depicts prisoner reform as impossible. Additionally, TheWrap questioned the implied high mortality risk for the puppies, noting the absence of older dogs or any mention of compensation for the young rescue team.

The Wrap

• “We can only hope for continuing adventures to transpire to learn more of the individual backstories of these canine avengers and the virtues of overcoming difficulties as a community,” — Courtney Howard

‘Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie’ Gets Its Rotten Tomatoes Score, Here’s the Verdict

While most early reviews are favorable, the stark contrast between Comicbasics’ “fresh” consensus and TheWrap’s “Rotten” assessment illustrates a split in critical reception. No source provides box-office projections or audience-testing data, leaving the film’s commercial performance and long-term cultural impact unquantified.

‘Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie’ Gets Its Rotten Tomatoes Score, Here’s the Verdict