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Clifford's Really Big Movie (2004)
Rated: U
Runtime: 74 mins
Theatrical Release: 29-04-2005
Synopsis: All is well on Birdwell Island, where Clifford happily spends his days with his best girl, Emily Elizabeth, and his best friends T-Bone, and Cleo until he overhears a conversation that makes him think he's a burden. Although nothing could be further from the truth, Clifford is determined to... All is well on Birdwell Island, where Clifford happily spends his days with his best girl, Emily Elizabeth, and his best friends T-Bone, and Cleo until he overhears a conversation that makes him think he's a burden. Although nothing could be further from the truth, Clifford is determined to earn his keep and sets off to the real world to seek a solution. A riveting adventure ensues as Clifford teams up with a traveling carnival troupe. Faced with everything from disastrous carnival performances to a dazzling taste of stardom, Clifford wholeheartedly tries to fix the situation, while back home on Birdwell Island, Emily Elizabeth searches for her beloved buddy. CLIFFORD'S REALLY BIG MOVIE is sure to take fans on a rollercoaster ride of fun in a very BIG way as only Clifford can! -- © PBS [More]
Genre: Childrens
Starring: John Ritter, Grey DeLisle, Cree Summer, Cam Clark, Kel Mitchell
DVD Info
Release:
Mar 5, 2008
Audio:
- Dolby Surround 5.1 English. French, Spanish
Reviews
So, how big is Clifford’s Really Big Movie? Maybe too big for a toddler’s britches.
Some children might find Clifford’s tale on the tame side, but at least as many parents will be happily surprised by the warm and cuddly tone.
Clifford’s Really Big Movie is easily consumed and disposed of entertainment for the small fry...
The animation has cheap-and-fast written all over it. It's so chintzy, the characters look as if they've come straight from a box of Colorforms.
When clapping broke out close to the end of Clifford's Really Big Movie -- the clapping of little hands, I might add, and not big ones -- it felt as spontaneous and as heartfelt an expression of youthful joy as I have heard in a long time.
A slightly distended version of the television program, here voiced by some of the best actors in the animation business, including the late, great John Ritter in the title role.
Modest in the best sense of the word, this traditional animated film adheres closely to the gentle, easygoing tone of the hugely popular PBS series.
The messages are honest and not slathered. The characters are kind, amusing and, by now, quite familiar (author Norman Birdwell created Clifford and friends some 40 years ago).
Despite the movie's rather unoriginal story -- that age-old plot about running off to the join the circus -- at least the filmmakers have created something which, though a little bland, is never crass or vulgar.
Though not exactly a gripping experience for adults, parents have reason to be grateful for a movie that has been so carefully tailored to preschool to first-grade sensibilities.
Should delight most four-year-olds and won't torture parents (much) in the process.
Unlike television cartoons that sell their souls to make the leap to the big screen, this animated G-rated film is faithful to Norman Bridwell's beloved book series about the big red dog.


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