Paw Patrol: The Movie Parents Guide + Review

Let’s get fired up! PAW Patrol emBARKS on an exciting new adventure in PAW Patrol: The Movie! A full-length feature film based on the beloved series, is this film PAW-tastic, or a DOGGONE disappointment? Does it live up to the hype? Is it really kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its G rating, in my PAW Patrol: The Movie Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!

Paw Patrol: The Movie Parents Guide + Review

I’ve been a mom for 11.5 years. Throughout this time, my children have watched numerous television shows. Some have been okay. Some have been horrendous. And then there’s PAW Patrol. My children were 4 years old and 8 months when the series first debuted. They have literally grown up with PAW Patrol. It’s a series that has continuously been involved in our home since those adorable pups first appeared on screen. 

As a parent, I appreciate the lessons that each episode brings. It’s a PAW-sitive show with great takeaways we can all learn from. So to say I was thrilled when I heard they were releasing their first ever full-length feature film, would be an understatement. PAW Patrol is such a special series to me. It is a part of my children’s childhood. Watching my boys grow up alongside these pups is something I will look back on when they’re grown with a smile. 

The Story

The pups star in their biggest adventure yet! Mayor Humdinger, aka: the worst mayor in the history of mayors, is threatening to shake things up in Adventure City! He wants to change EVERYTHING there is about it — including getting rid of all dogs…he’s a proclaimed cat person. New pup, Liberty (voiced by Marsai Martin), aka: PAW Patrol super fan, yelps for help and calls the PAW Patrol. Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Zuma, Rocky, and Skye set off on a thrilling adventure to save Adventure City.

Meet New Pup Liberty

You guys are going to fall in LOVE with Liberty! She is a brave and optimistic dachshund who lives on the streets in Adventure City. Her biggest dream is to become a member of the PAW Patrol. She gets a little fangirl crazy when she first meets them, but pulls herself together to show she’s valuable to the gang. No one knows the ins and outs of this city like she does. Liberty makes a great addition to the pups and I see her being a real hit with the kids. They’ll love her spark and enthusiasm. 

Mental Health Awareness

Oh boy. Mental health awareness? In a kids film? Oh yes. We’re going there. Chase has to come face to face with his past, and it’s not an easy thing. You’ll definitely see him dealing with PTSD and anxiety. Little kids will just thing he’s scared, but it’s important that this topic is brought into a family film. Maybe children will relate to Chase’s insecurities. It will ensure them that their feelings are valid. Chase will help kids feel seen and know that it’s okay to be scared. He will also help kids realize it’s possible to overcome your fears and know that you are never alone. 

IS PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE KID-FRIENDLY? HERE’S YOUR PARENTS GUIDE:

It seems almost a given that PAW Patrol: The Movie is 100% kid-friendly, and I’m here to tell you that is absolutely correct. PAW Patrol: The Movie has an MPAA rating of G, meaning it’s intended for General Audiences. It has a runtime of 1 hour 30 minutes. While this is usually the sweet spot for a kids film, I’m going to say it could have been made just a bit shorter. Remember the target audience is young children, preschool age even. Just cutting by 10 or 15 minutes would have made a difference. 

There is no language in PAW Patrol: The Movie. However, you will hear words like “eggheads,” and “dumb.” There are a few moments of peril, but nothing overly alarming. There is some bullying from Humdinger and a character loses his pants…twice. 

Overall I’m thrilled there is FINALLY a G rated film hitting theaters for our kids. I cannot even tell you what was the last G theatrical release. I think PAW Patrol was a smart move. It’s a hit series and children are going to want to see their favorite pups on the big screen.

Overall Thoughts

PAW Patrol: The movie is filled with non-stop adventure, action, and heart. It’s the movie fans of the series have been waiting for. Loaded with life-lessons, great takeaways, and positive messages, PAW Patrol: The Movie is a PAW-some good time! PAW Patrol: The Movie rolls into theaters and streaming on Paramount+ on August 20, 2021! 

Paw Patrol: The Movie Synopsis