Clifford the Big Red Dog
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to 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.
Things to Consider
Violence
The 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.
Profanity
The 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.
Witchcraft & Occult
The 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.
Scary & Intense Content
While 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.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The 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.
Anti-Christian Themes
The 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.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
No 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.
Romance and Sexual Content
Romantic 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.
Substance Use
Substance 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.
The film "Clifford the Big Red Dog" (2021) presents several themes that largely align with biblical values, emphasizing the importance of unconditional love, acceptance, courage, and compassion. Emily Elizabeth's deep love for Clifford is shown as the catalyst for his growth, highlighting the transformative power of love, echoing Christian teachings about love being paramount. The movie also addresses the negative consequences of corporate greed and bullying, with antagonists rewarded for their vice through legal repercussions and public disapproval, while protagonists are rewarded for virtue and standing up for what is right. The worldview leans towards a transcendent view of life's meaning, where "magic" is presented as the power of love and uniqueness, suggesting that true value comes from within and from loving relationships, rather than material gain. Regarding family values, the film portrays a journey of growth for Uncle Casey, who initially appears irresponsible but steps up to care for Emily and Clifford, demonstrating themes of dependability and sacrifice for loved ones. This progression shows a positive trajectory for family relationships and the assumption of responsibility. Elements of sacrifice are evident as Emily and Casey risk their safety to protect Clifford, and the community rallies to support them, illustrating themes of collective care and standing up for others. While explicit Christian faith or representation is minimal, some reviews note subtle biblical references, such as Emily's name and a character mentioning a friend in heaven, indicating a generally respectful, though not overt, acknowledgment of spiritual concepts. Overall, "Clifford the Big Red Dog" offers a predominantly positive and family-friendly message for Christian parents. Its core themes of love, acceptance, courage, and the rejection of greed resonate well with biblical principles. The film models moral accountability, shows character development towards responsibility, and subtly points to a deeper meaning in life beyond the material. The portrayal of family and community support, along with the idea that being unique is a gift, reinforces wholesome values that parents can discuss with their children within a faith context. Parents should be aware of some mild language and slapstick violence typical of a family adventure, which may warrant discussion, but these do not detract significantly from the overall positive moral framework.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
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.
Good to Know
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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