Parents often find themselves caught in a love/hate relationship with the show “Paw Patrol.” While kids adore it, parents have had to accept its presence in their lives (admit it, you’ve hummed the theme song at least once). We’re familiar with Adventure Bay as if it were our own neighborhood, and little ones can be heard saying catchphrases like “Chase is on the case!” and “Rubble on the double!” Now, with the release of “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” Ryder and the pups are stepping into their first feature-length film. I had the chance to see it and speak with Ethan James, who voices Chase, and Talia Smith, who introduces a new character, Liberty.
My son is nearly eight and has mostly moved on from the “Paw Patrol” universe (probably reminiscing about simpler times). I feared he might dismiss the movie as too childish, but he was engaged from the start. The familiarity of the characters, combined with a more developed storyline, captivated him. The film doesn’t bombard kids with lessons on obedience and rule-following, which can feel overwhelming when they encounter the same themes in their everyday lives.
In “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” the pups embark on their mission to thwart Humdinger from wreaking havoc in Adventure Bay, but this time they tackle it with greater depth. The 90-minute runtime allows for a more profound exploration of social-emotional themes, a challenge in the standard 22-minute episodes. I was genuinely surprised to see the pups handle such topics with maturity.
Much of the action unfolds in Adventure City, which adds an unfamiliar dimension to their adventure. While the motto remains “no job is too big, no pup too small,” taking country pups into a bustling city could easily lead to chaos. However, the film avoids that pitfall entirely.
While the origins of the pups have remained a mystery, “Paw Patrol: The Movie” sheds light on Chase’s backstory. He hails from the big city, where Ryder found him abandoned, and his return stirs up painful memories. This sets the stage for deeper emotional exploration. Chase grapples with his anxiety, which affects his ability to perform his duties. His struggles are depicted authentically, showing kids that it’s okay to experience fear. At one point, Ryder advises Chase to pace himself and let others take the lead, prompting an unexpected moment of reflection. The film promotes the importance of prioritizing mental health, which is a refreshing message for a children’s movie.
“It’s still a kid’s show,” Ethan James noted. “But it’s important for children to see that anxiety is okay and to discuss it with friends, just like Chase does.”
The movie also introduces a new character, Liberty, a street-smart long-haired Doxie who adds a fresh dynamic to the group. While the pups are accustomed to Adventure Bay, Liberty brings valuable knowledge about Adventure City. Watching her fan-girl over the pups while fighting alongside them is utterly charming.
Talia Smith shared her excitement about creating Liberty, saying, “How can you not love ‘Paw Patrol?’ Developing a new character was an amazing experience.”
Additionally, “Paw Patrol: The Movie” features Kendra Wilson, a brilliant Black female scientist. She’s portrayed as a capable leader, using complex scientific terminology that few understand — except for Rubble, occasionally. It’s crucial for children to see women in STEM roles, particularly a Black woman in charge, despite her brilliance often being diminished by a less competent male character.
In a chat with Ethan and Talia, we all agreed that our favorite character is Liberty. Ethan and I also have a soft spot for Rubble, mostly due to his love for snacks. If Talia could choose a role in the “Paw Patrol,” she’d love to be Skye, while Ethan would like to be a “comforter,” offering support to the pups after their adventures.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed “Paw Patrol: The Movie.” Although I’m familiar with the characters, I’d rather do almost anything than watch the show. Even my partner, who has never seen an episode, was taken aback by how entertaining it was. If you’re skeptical, I encourage you to give it a chance. It could spark vital conversations about mental health and self-care. You can catch it in theaters or stream it on Paramount+.
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In summary, “Paw Patrol: The Movie” successfully addresses children’s mental health in an engaging way, featuring relatable characters and important life lessons. The film normalizes discussions about anxiety and self-care, making it a valuable watch for both kids and parents alike.
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