Clifford the Big Red Dog
The 2021 live-action animated urban fantasy comedy film, "Clifford the Big Red Dog," brings the beloved children's book character to the big screen. The story centers on middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth, who, feeling like an outcast, receives a small red puppy from a magical animal rescuer. Her immense love for the puppy causes him to grow into a gigantic, ten-foot dog overnight, leading to an adventure across New York City with her well-meaning but irresponsible Uncle Casey. The film is largely targeted at a family audience, particularly younger children, and focuses on themes of acceptance, love, and being true to oneself, while navigating the challenges of being different in a big city.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe film contains mild, slapstick violence typical of a family adventure movie. There are chase scenes, moments of peril, and comedic physical mishaps, but without graphic injury or gore. Some bullying is depicted, which can be emotionally impactful.
Clifford's large size causes accidental chaos, such as him knocking over objects and people, which is played for laughs. There is a chase scene where 'bad guys' from the biotechnology company Lyfegro attempt to capture Clifford, involving tranquilizer guns and physical altercations, though not depicted graphically. Emily Elizabeth is subjected to bullying by classmates, who call her 'food stamp' and film her humiliation.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes some mild profanity and misuses of God's name, as well as British expletives. The language is generally considered very mild for a PG-rated film, but some Christian parents may find the terms of deity concerning.
British expletives such as 'bloody' and 'bollocks' are used. There is a single misuse of God's name, along with euphemisms like 'Jeez,' 'Oh my G*d,' and 'Oh G*d.' Other mild terms include 'sucks' and 'freak'.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe movie introduces Mr. Bridwell, a mysterious animal rescuer, who gifts Emily Elizabeth the small red puppy Clifford, stating that he will grow based on how much love he receives. This element introduces a magical, almost fantastical, premise for Clifford's growth.
Mr. Bridwell is described as a 'magical animal rescuer' and a 'maker of magic' who has a tent filled with 'rare and wonderful animals'. The miraculous growth of Clifford from a tiny puppy to a giant dog overnight is attributed to Emily's love and a wish, which is presented as a magical occurrence, rather than scientific.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumWhile generally lighthearted, the film contains several intense moments that could be frightening for very young children. These include chase sequences, bullying, and the threat of Clifford being captured and subjected to testing by a corporation. Themes of abandonment and separation may also be emotionally resonant.
Clifford is almost hit by a car while wandering the city alone, and there's a prolonged chase where Lyfegro employees and police pursue Emily, Casey, and Clifford to capture the dog. Emily experiences bullying at school, with classmates mocking and humiliating her. A particularly sad scene depicts Clifford being captured by Lyfegro and shown lying seemingly unconscious, undergoing tests.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film features instances of disrespectful and rebellious behavior, primarily from Emily Elizabeth and her Uncle Casey. Emily is rude to her uncle, and Casey exhibits irresponsible behavior. The antagonist, Tieran, also engages in deceit.
Emily Elizabeth is described as being rude to her Uncle Casey and manipulates him to get what she wants, even when knowing it's wrong. Uncle Casey is initially portrayed as irresponsible, having a history of accidentally leaving Emily in various places and once gambling her away. The villain, Zac Tieran, lies to the police and the press, falsely claiming ownership of Clifford and attempting to have an ID chip implanted to support his claim.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe film does not contain overt anti-Christian themes or direct mockery of Christian beliefs. However, some parents have expressed concern over the casual misuse of God's name, which can be considered irreverent from a Christian perspective. The presence of 'magical' elements also stands out to some Christian viewers.
Several instances of profanity include misuses of God's name such as 'Oh my G*d,' 'Jeez,' and 'Oh G*d.' The magical nature of Clifford's growth, facilitated by Mr. Bridwell, might be viewed with caution by parents who prefer content grounded in non-magical explanations or explicitly Christian worldview.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowNo explicit or implied LGBTQ+ content or characters are mentioned in the available parental reviews or community discussions for "Clifford the Big Red Dog" (2021 film). The film primarily focuses on themes of family, friendship, and acceptance of differences, without delving into sexual orientation or gender identity topics.
Searches for LGBTQ+ themes in relation to the film and its creators (Walt Becker) yielded no results indicating representation or discussion of these topics. The narrative centers on Emily Elizabeth's relationship with her dog and uncle, and interactions with other characters are not framed in a way that suggests LGBTQ+ themes.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic and sexual content is minimal and very mild. There are no explicit sexual acts or graphic nudity. Some implied romantic history and minor crude humor related to bodily functions are present.
It is implied that Uncle Casey had a live-in ex-girlfriend. Crude humor includes a scene where a superintendent bends over, showing the top of his 'bottom crack,' which Clifford sniffs, and a small dog attempts to sniff Clifford's bottom.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use is almost entirely absent from the film. There are no depictions of illegal drug use, smoking, or significant alcohol consumption by characters. A brief, isolated reference to steroids is noted.
One instance involves a reference to 'steroids' in dialogue, but without any actual depiction or promotion of substance use. Otherwise, there is no use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking throughout the movie.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The film is rated PG for impolite humor, thematic elements, and mild action. It is generally suitable for children aged 6 and up. While younger viewers may enjoy the visual spectacle of Clifford, some intense chase scenes and themes of bullying, separation, and corporate greed might be unsettling for those under 5. Older children and pre-teens will likely appreciate the humor and heartwarming messages of acceptance and courage.
Additional Notes
The film emphasizes positive messages about self-acceptance, courage, compassion, and the importance of family and community. It also touches on themes of corporate greed and animal cruelty, providing discussion points for parents regarding taking advantage of others and ethical treatment of animals. One review noted that the protagonists are all white in a diverse New York City, with people of color primarily in non-lead or cameo roles, which might be a point of discussion regarding diversity representation.
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