The Good Dinosaur

“The Good Dinosaur” is an animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2015. Directed by Peter Sohn, the film explores an alternate reality in which dinosaurs never went extinct and coexist with humans. It follows the journey of a young Apatosaurus named Arlo (voiced by Raymond Ochoa), who befriends a feral human boy named Spot (voiced by Jack Bright) after getting separated from his family.

The story takes place in a world where dinosaurs have evolved and developed their own societies, living alongside human-like creatures who have become agriculturists and ranchers. Arlo, the runt of his family, struggles to find his place and gain confidence. After a tragic event, Arlo ends up lost and must embark on an adventure to return home, with Spot as his loyal companion.

Throughout their journey, Arlo and Spot face various challenges and encounter a wide array of unique and quirky characters. The film beautifully portrays the themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of facing one’s fears.

“The Good Dinosaur” received generally positive reviews for its stunning animation, emotional storytelling, and heartfelt performances. However, it was considered one of Pixar’s less critically acclaimed films compared to some of their other productions. Despite this, it still found success at the box office and resonated with audiences, especially younger viewers who enjoyed the heartwarming tale of friendship between a dinosaur and a human.

Fun Facts

• It is the 16th feature film from Pixar and imagines a world where dinosaurs never went extinct and coexist with humans.
• The film’s original director, Bob Peterson, was replaced during production, and Peter Sohn took over as director.
• “The Good Dinosaur” explores themes of friendship, overcoming fears, and finding one’s place in the world.
• The film features impressive animation, with realistic landscapes and environments inspired by the American Northwest.
• The character of Arlo, the young Apatosaurus protagonist, was voiced by Raymond Ochoa. Jack Bright provided the voice for Arlo’s human companion, Spot.
• Unlike most Pixar films, “The Good Dinosaur” did not receive a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
• The film underwent significant story changes during production, leading to a delay in its release. Originally scheduled for 2013, it was released in 2015.
• The film’s music was composed by Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna. It features a score that enhances the emotional journey of the characters.
• “The Good Dinosaur” incorporates elements of Western films, with Arlo embarking on a journey reminiscent of classic frontier tales.
• Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, “The Good Dinosaur” was a commercial success, grossing over $332 million worldwide.