Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” (2021) is a family comedy film based on the beloved children’s book series by Norman Bridwell. Directed by Walt Becker, the film brings the iconic red canine to life with a mix of live-action and CGI. Starring Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, Izaac Williams, and Sienna Guillory, the movie follows the adventures of Clifford and his human companion, Emily Elizabeth.
Plot Summary
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” tells the story of Emily Elizabeth Howard (played by Darby Camp), a young girl who finds a small, red puppy in a pet store. She names the puppy Clifford, and with the help of a magical dog food, Clifford grows into a massive red dog overnight. The film follows Emily and Clifford as they navigate the challenges and excitement of having a gigantic dog in the city.
Adventures and Challenges
As Clifford’s size becomes a problem, Emily and her uncle Casey Howard (played by Jack Whitehall) must keep Clifford hidden from those who might want to exploit him. The film’s plot centers on their efforts to protect Clifford while dealing with the chaos his size brings to their lives.
Themes and Family Appeal
The film explores themes of friendship, family, and self-acceptance. It highlights the bond between Emily and Clifford and the joy that Clifford brings to those around him. The story is filled with humorous and heartwarming moments that appeal to children and families.
Character Performances
Darby Camp stars as Emily Elizabeth, delivering a heartfelt performance as the young girl who loves Clifford unconditionally. Camp’s portrayal captures the genuine affection and excitement that Emily feels for her giant dog.
Jack Whitehall plays Casey Howard, Emily’s supportive and somewhat bumbling uncle. Whitehall’s comedic timing and charm add a humorous element to the film, providing comic relief and enhancing the family-friendly nature of the story.
The film’s voice cast includes Sienna Guillory, Tony Hale, and David Alan Grier, who bring additional depth and humor to the film with their performances. Clifford himself is brought to life through a combination of CGI and motion capture, creating a lovable and expressive character.
Visuals and Direction
Walt Becker directs “Clifford the Big Red Dog” with a focus on family-friendly humor and heartwarming moments. The film combines live-action with CGI to bring Clifford to life, creating a visually engaging experience for viewers.
The CGI used to create Clifford is impressive, capturing the character’s size and personality effectively. The visual effects team did a commendable job in integrating Clifford into the real world, making his interactions with the human characters believable and entertaining.
The film’s cinematography, by Christopher Nolan, complements its lighthearted and colorful tone, enhancing the visual appeal of Clifford’s adventures.
Reception and Impact
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” received generally positive reviews for its family-friendly humor and heartwarming story. Critics and audiences appreciated the film’s appeal to children and its faithful adaptation of the beloved book series.
The film’s success can be attributed to its charming characters, engaging story, and effective use of CGI to bring Clifford to life. It continues the legacy of the Clifford books and introduces a new generation to the lovable red dog.
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” has been praised for its entertaining and wholesome content, making it a popular choice for family movie nights.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch “Clifford the Big Red Dog” Online
If you’re interested in watching “Clifford the Big Red Dog”, the film is available on several streaming platforms and rental services.
Amazon Prime Video
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically range from $3.99 to $4.99 for HD quality, with purchasing options usually between $9.99 and $14.99.
Apple iTunes
Apple iTunes offers “Clifford the Big Red Dog” for rent and purchase. Rental prices generally start at $3.99 for HD quality, with purchase options around $9.99 to $14.99. The film can be streamed on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV provides “Clifford the Big Red Dog” for rental or purchase. Rental prices are similar to other platforms, typically between $3.99 and $4.99, with purchasing options ranging from $9.99 to $14.99.
Paramount+
Paramount+ may also feature “Clifford the Big Red Dog” in its catalog. Checking the platform for availability is advised.
Final Thoughts
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” is a delightful and heartwarming film that brings the beloved children’s character to life with charm and humor. With its engaging story, lovable characters, and impressive CGI, the film provides a fun and entertaining experience for families and children.
Whether you’re a fan of the Clifford books or simply looking for a family-friendly movie, “Clifford the Big Red Dog” is worth watching. Its availability on various streaming platforms ensures that its joyful and endearing story can be enjoyed by a wide audience.
