Let’s face it. With traditional cell animation on its big-screen deathbed, the makers of “Clifford’s Really Big Movie” couldn’t expect too much respect from the box office gods.
The film offers unremarkable animation with nary a postmodern wink for the parental units. Still it’s hard to muster much cynicism at this big, red time waster.
“Clifford’s Really Big Movie” tells a simple story and doesn’t feel compelled to dress it up with instantly stale catchphrases or phony sermons. The few lessons it does impart come organically from the characters, something the makers of the grown-up “Scooby Doo” franchise haven’t mastered in two tries.
The film, a continuation of the popular PBS series based on Norman Bridwell’s books, finds the late John Ritter giving voice for the last time to our oversized hero. Clifford’s life on Birdwell Island is the picture of canine contentment. His owner, Emily Elizabeth, couldn’t be more doting, but Clifford misinterprets an overheard conversation — perhaps a tip of the hat to every other episode of Mr. Ritter’s “Three’s Company” — which sets the film’s adventure in motion.
Thinking his hearty appetite might bankrupt his owner’s family, Clifford runs off with a traveling carnival in the hopes of winning a national talent contest for Tummy Yummies Pet Food. Along for the ride are Clifford’s steady companions, T-Bone and Cleo, who love the big fella even though they’re only as big as his paw.
Clifford meets a gaggle of new friends at the carnival, including a tightrope-walking cow (Jenna Elfman) and a ferret named Shackelford (Wayne Brady, as bland as room temperature porridge).
Ol’ Red transforms the animals into a top-flight show, which doesn’t sit well with Shackelford, who preferred that the spotlight shine only on him. Ferrets aren’t pretty when they’re green with envy. Juggling all the furry personalities is the animal’s agent and protector Larry Gablegobble (Judge Reinhold, channeling the late Dick Shawn’s kindly pipes).
If Clifford and the gang win the contest, they have to deal with the Tummy Yummies kingpin (John Goodman). Even a toddler can see this kibble pusher is up to no good.
Parents will feel a bittersweet tug when they hear Mr. Ritter’s voice come out of Clifford’s maw, and the final “For John” message that rolls at the film’s end is a gentle, appropriate note.
“Clifford” also supplies a profanity-free block of time for one and all. Audiences won’t spot any fast food tie-ins or characters resorting to flatulence for a slam-dunk chuckle.
It’s also pretty thin as big screen entertainment goes. “Finding Nemo” and “Lilo & Stitch” set the family film bar so high this “Clifford” can’t even reach it with his moist snout.
That won’t bother the film’s target audience, who undoubtedly will cheer along as Clifford saves the day.
The noise might even keep their parents awake throughout the journey.
**1/2
WHAT: “Clifford’s Really Big Movie”
RATING: G (Mild violence and stunts that could frighten toddlers)
CREDITS: Directed by Robert C. Ramirez. Written by Rhett Reese and Mr. Ramirez based on the “Clifford” books by Norman Bridwell. Music composed by Jody Gray.
RUNNING TIME: 73 minutes
WEB SITE: www.scholastic.com/clifford/
MAXIMUM RATING: FOUR STARS
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