REVIEW: ‘Paw Patrol: The Movie’ Delivers Powerful Messaging on Self-Love, Friendship, and Living Your Best Life

The Paw Patrol gang is back and their powerful messages of self-love, friendship, and living your dream aren’t just for kids, in their first feature film, Paw Patrol: The Movie.

In case you missed the memo and have been living on a deserted island, Paw Patrol, the series, and the brand is kind of a big deal. British children’s TV icon Keith Chapman created Paw Patrol, in 2013; he’s the same genius behind Bob the Builder. Paw Patrol has been one of the best-selling licensed brands for merchandise globally, generating billions, surpassing Disney’s Star Wars, Mickey Mouse, and Frozen and one point. In the U.S., the Spin Master Entertainment series that airs on Nickelodeon has been the most-watched show for kids ages two to five since 2016. Globally, it airs in more than 170 countries, reaching 350 million households. Fans simply adore not only the infectious theme song but the series’ narrative, which focuses on six animated first responder puppies with special gadgets and vehicles that swoop in each episode to save the day.

Now fans can enjoy their furry favorites on the big screen with the new film launching on Paramount+ and in theaters on August 20. The film highlights 10-year-old Ryder (Will Brisbin), the young boy who leads police dog Chase (Iain Armitage), and his puppy pals as they jump into action, saving the day around Adventure Bay and now back to Adventure City.

The furry crew includes Lilly Bartlam as Skye with her aerial helicopter skills, Keegan Hedley as Rubble, the bulldog construction pup, Callum Shoniker as Rocky, a recycling expert, Kingsley Marshall as the dalmatian fire pup Marshall, and Shayle Simons as Zuma, making waves as an aquatic rescuer. New to the Paw Patrol scene is Liberty, a pup with a mind of her own, voiced by the incredible young actress and producer Marsai Martin, Delores a snooty poodle voiced by Kim Kardashian-West, Tyler Perry as Gus, a tanker truck driver with an infinity for slushies, Yara Shahidi as Kendra Wilson, a scientist at the local university, and Jimmy Kimmel as reporter Marty Muckracker.

The story takes place in Adventure Bay, where we see an adorable baby turtle who fell behind from his family while trying to cross the road near a bridge that Gus is roaring towards in his tanker truck filled with maple syrup. One wrong sip and his icy blue slushy drink is instantly on his lap as he does a last-minute turn to avoid the baby turtle. It has him doing a tailspin and dangling over the edge of the bridge with his life flashing before his eyes. It’s not long before the Paw Patrol is on the scene using all their gadgets to rescue Gus safely. All is well when Buddy produces some pancakes and waffles to ensure they don’t waste all of that maple syrup spilling over the highway. 

The Paw Patrol swoops in to save the day, and not long after, we are introduced to dachshund Liberty in Adventure City with her smart, sassy, and no-nonsense banter. She’s living her best life, making sure the subway stays litter-free and causing bullies to basically want to run to the nearest church. She’s a firecracker personality, and Marsai Martin doesn’t hold back on her hilarious portrayal of Liberty’s snappy matter-of-fact backlash for tyrants. 

Liberty is also out and about crashing events where she happens to see Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) doing absolutely way too much like the narcissist he is. He’s celebrating his election win like it was a tough race when he was the only candidate on the ballot after winning by default. Unfortunately, he’s also up to no good as he has some dubious plans for Adventure City, and Liberty has her puppy ears peeled for his chaos.

Liberty makes an urgent call to the Paw Patrol, she’s their biggest fan and not afraid to fangirl on the video call, and as expected, they are ready to head to the rescue, all except Chase. He’s dealing with some major trauma and anxiety from his earlier days of being abandoned in Adventure City, and he is unsure why he’s suddenly not excited to return. This was an awesome storyline to address, and it permeates the entire movie, really showcasing the stages of stress and anxiety and how it plays out in real life, through the eyes of a puppy, of course. With social media becoming a sounding board for mental health awareness it’s to my surprise and delight that the writers took this storyline this far. They know kids are getting smarter and smarter at a young age and often are the ones brushed over when they have feelings of stress and anxiety. Finally, Ryder convinces Chase to head out with the team and encourages him that all will be ok. The team gear up and set out to the sounds of Adam Levine’s lively and feel-good song “Good Mood,” which will have you bopping in your seat.

Back in Adventure City, Mayor Humdinger is causing some real chaos as he’s mapped out plans to implement roller coaster loops into the subway system and he’s developing a skyscraper that is as big as his ego. He’s also trying to take scientist Kendra Wilson’s weather machine device from the local university for his superficial agenda. As a result, he’s putting everyone’s safety at risk, including his own, along with his pack of felines gone bad. 

The Paw Patrol gang makes it to Adventure City just in time, but they are having problems navigating the city. Liberty is always in the know and shows up just when they need her. Completely in alignment with going for what you want; she conveniently made herself an honorary member of the Paw Patrol, dropped some valuable furry GPS knowledge, and continues to drop them gems throughout their adventure.

Expect an absolute total good time at the theatre or streaming on this one. Paw Patrol: The Movie hit it out of the park on this film with a funny and engaging story. The animation was lively and entertaining, with some great feel-good messaging of self-love, living your dream, and conquering your fears.

Writer-director Cal Brunker (The Nut Job 2) and co-writers Billy Frolick (Madagascar) and Bob Barlen (Arctic Dogs) were the minds behind this feel-good story that perfectly blends some honest narratives on the environment, politics, friendship, and mental health. With their background, it shouldn’t be a surprise that fans will keep this film on repeat contributing to the continued success of Paw Patrol as a brand.

Brisban and Armitage are delightful and give strong yet empathetic voices to Ryder and Chase, holding the story together. Chase overcoming his fears and anxiety resonates with our current news cycle where so many athletes are addressing their mental health and putting their self-care first, such as American Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and British Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty. The film captured Chase’s feelings as indiscernible, which resonates with people of all backgrounds and ages, on not always having a label for what you feel emotionally and mentally. By the time Ryder reaches in for a hug to tell him it’s ok, the film had me as a fan, so endearing.

Yara Shahidi was a treat to hear as the quirky science geek. Marsai Martin is an absolute treasure as Liberty, and they couldn’t have picked a better talent to bring on board Paw Patrol’s puppy team with her bright, original, and witty delivery. She will solidify Liberty as a new favorite character to the Paw Patrol franchise. Make sure to check out Paw Patrol: The Movie in theaters and streaming on Paramount+ August 20.