Paramount Pictures
Parents often have mixed feelings about the show ‘Paw Patrol.’ While our little ones adore it (and let’s be real, we occasionally find ourselves humming the theme song), we’ve become quite familiar with the world of Adventure Bay. Kids love to shout phrases like “Chase is on the case!” and “Rubble on the double!” With the release of the new film, ‘Paw Patrol: The Movie,’ the pups embark on their first full-length adventure, and we got the chance to chat with the voices behind Chase and the new pup, Liberty.
As my son nears eight, he’s mostly aged out of the ‘Paw Patrol’ fanbase, and I feared he would dismiss the movie as too juvenile. Surprisingly, he was engaged from the start. The familiarity of the characters, combined with a more developed plot, drew him in. The film doesn’t force lessons about obedience and following rules down kids’ throats—a relief, considering they already hear enough about that in everyday life.
In ‘Paw Patrol: The Movie,’ the pups aim to thwart Humdinger’s plans to wreak havoc in Adventure Bay, but this time with more depth. The 90-minute film allows for exploration of social-emotional themes, something challenging to achieve in a typical 22-minute episode. I didn’t expect such depth from the pups, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Set in Adventure City, the film introduces an element of unfamiliarity for the pups. Despite the motto “no job is too big, no pup too small,” transitioning from the countryside to the city offers challenges. However, the film navigates this shift successfully.
While the origins of the pups remain largely a mystery, we learn more about Chase in the movie. He hails from the city; Ryder found him abandoned and brought him into the Paw Patrol family. Adventure City holds painful memories for Chase, forcing him to confront his past. This introduces the film’s significant exploration of mental health.
Chase struggles with returning to the city that causes him anxiety, impacting his ability to perform his duties. His visible fear during critical moments provides a realistic look at anxiety for children. At one point, Ryder encourages Chase to take a step back and allow others to help, a surprisingly progressive message about prioritizing mental health in a children’s film.
“It’s still a kid’s show,” said actor Leo Thompson, who voices Chase. “But even at a kid level, it’s okay to feel anxious or scared, and to discuss those feelings with friends, just like Chase does.”
With the film’s focus on Adventure City, we also meet Liberty, a long-haired Dachshund who brings a new dynamic to the team. She adds a street-smart edge that complements the other pups, and it’s adorable to see her excitedly join their ranks.
“It was amazing to portray Liberty,” said actress Mia Johnson, who lends her voice to the character. “Creating a new character in this beloved franchise was such a joy.”
The film also highlights a Black female scientist, Dr. Kendra Wilson, who showcases the importance of representation in STEM fields. Despite her brilliance being overshadowed by a patronizing male character, her presence is a significant step forward.
During my conversation with Leo and Mia, we all agreed that Liberty is our favorite pup. While Mia would love to take on Skye’s role, Leo expressed a desire to be the “comforter,” supporting the team in their moments of self-care.
In conclusion, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed ‘Paw Patrol: The Movie.’ Though I’m familiar with the franchise, I typically prefer to avoid the show. Even my partner, who has never watched an episode, found the movie surprisingly delightful. If you’re skeptical, I highly recommend checking it out. It opens the door to important conversations about mental health and self-care. The film is currently available in theaters and can also be streamed on the Paramount+ app. For more discussions on similar topics, feel free to explore this blog post or check out Make a Mom for reliable information on home insemination. You can also find great resources at Rmany for more insights into pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary: ‘Paw Patrol: The Movie’ effectively addresses children’s mental health through its exploration of Chase’s anxiety and the importance of self-care, while introducing new characters and deeper narratives. This film serves as a valuable resource for initiating conversations about mental well-being among kids.
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