‘Clifford’ delivers lots of humor and charm

The ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ children’s book series is probably one of the most beloved book series ever published. First published in 1963, the entire children’s series (which consists of more than 75 books) has been read by millions of readers and printed in 13 different languages.

Over the years, ‘Clifford’ has been adapted for numerous videos, many TV series, and even video games for the kiddos. Now, everyone’s favorite red dog makes the big jump to the big screen in his own cinematic adventure.

In the Paramount Pictures family feature, ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog,’ when Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer who gives her a little red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant, 10-foot hound with her. With her single mother away on business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle set out on an adventure that takes a bite out of the Big Apple.

‘Clifford’ is a fun and entertaining movie that both kids and their parents can easily enjoy together. Throughout the movie, quite a few adorable moments feature Clifford having fun as well as all of the moments when he was just a puppy.

The family flick also delivers some very hilarious moments and it is definitely a movie that children will have a blast watching. In between all the fun, crazy antics of the big red dog, there are a couple parts that can be a little sad at times. The scene where the girl takes Clifford to the vet is really funny and is probably one of the funniest bits in the movie.

So, come on down to the Dietrich and don’t miss the fun antics of ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog.’ Filled with great family fun, really funny moments, and amusing dog moments, ‘Clifford’ is a refreshing take of the beloved character and is a movie that the whole family can sit back, relax and enjoy together.

The cast: Darby Camp (Netflix’s The Christmas Chronicles movies) as Emily; Jack Whitehall (Jungle Cruise) as Casey; Izaac Wong (Raya and the Last Dragon; Good Boys) as Owen; Sienna Guillory as Maggie; Tony Hale (The Angry Birds Movie 2) as Tiernan; David Alan Grier (Netflix’s Coffee & Kareem) as Packard; Horatio Sanz (Ralph Breaks the Internet) as Raul; Paul Rodriguez as Alonso; John Cleese as Bridwell and the scene-stealing Kenan Thompson as the Vet.

‘Clifford’ is written by Jay Scherick (The Smurfs 1 and 2; Zookeeper), David Ronn (The Smurfs 2), Balise Hemingway (Netflix’s Vampires vs. the Bronx) and based on the book series by Norman Bridwell, and directed by Walt Brecker (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip; Old Dogs; Wild Hogs). In May 2012, it was reported that Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment would produce a film based on the book series. Eventually, Universal cancelled the project and Paramount purchased the film rights in 2016.

Principal photography began on June 10, 2019, in New York City and lasted through Aug. 23, 2019. It was initially scheduled to have its world premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival in September, followed by a September theatrical release. But, the festival premiere was cancelled and the studio briefly removed the film from its release schedule due to the rise of the Delta variant.

During its five-day opening weekend, ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ opened to an estimated $22 million domestically.

‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ is rated PG for impolite humor, thematic elements and mild action and has a running time of 97 minutes.