Sadly Over-hyped

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Blistering performances.

This movie was so bad that me and my friend spent at least half a hour destroying the disc. Why, you ask? Because it was boring and stupid. It wasn't even funny. I mean so bad it's funny. 2/10 got to destroy the disc and it was fun. Movie's bad!

I first saw Dinotopia when it first came out and received the DVD as a gift from my grandfather. Thus, I fully admit to reviewing this through my nostalgia goggles. There's actually allot to like about it. The animation, while not Disney or Bluth quality, is both crisp and soft. Plus, both the plot and characters are really engaging. Basically, it features a slightly older version of 26, the hatchling from the miniseries, who has to find the reason why all the sunstones (an energy source) are going out. The characters are enjoyable, although I would have preferred if Ogthar had stayed in his armour as it would make him appear more menacing. Also, I personally found Spaz, a dinosaur that 26 travels with, to be funny (although I admit that the part where he's sucking on 26's nose is gross). Plus, unlike many animated movies there aren't any songs (okay, technically there's one that seems to come out of nowhere but thankfully it only lasts for about 15 seconds). In terms of critique, some of the modern references/dialogue got a bit distracting. I don't have a problem with this within the context of the outside world, but since Dinotopia is supposed to be isolated I don't think that they would have any slang or at least no recognizable slang. But for the most part I enjoy it. I would like there to be a sequel but I can dream.

This is a movie for KIDS. I have a two-year old, and he LOVES this film; he chooses it for about 25% of his total viewing options. He has learned a lot about different types of dinosaurs across books and videos, and we talk about different dinosaurs and flying reptiles through the movie as we watch it. Have wikipedia handy, because there isn't anything scientific in the fare.We skip the scary part in the cave (he doesn't like the mean dino-cronies unless they're getting bested by the protagonists).I don't know a thing about the Dinotopia books, or mini-series, or anything. It's clear there are references to other things all throughout the movie, but it's not disruptive to young children. Based on other reviews, I'm sure it butchers that material into nice clean young-child-friendly pork chops.Clearly appears to be a reach for the toy market, due to the strutters (they look great, would love to know if they were ever prototyped). Lots of potential for multiple releases and sat-morn fare, but never expanded; too bad. Overall: Good animation, very fluid, good expressions, not jumpy like modern kid cartoons designed for the ADHD crowd. Classic styling with computer-generated backgrounds that are nicely handled.Voice acting pretty good, unfortunately the script and story is scatterbrained and simplistic. NOT for a ten year old, and DEFINITELY not for a 35 year old Dinotopia hardcore. It's for younger children to enjoy a romp through a fantasy land where dinosaurs have feelings too.

If you're an adult watching this, you're going to hate it. Especially if you're a fan of the books. Seems to me, that's what the other reviewers were.However, my 3-year old son, who happens to be a dinosaur fanatic, LOVES this movie. He's too young to be able to watch the mini-series or read the books. However, this was a great way to get him introduced to the Dinotopia world at his early age. No violence, no risqué dialogue, just wholesome child-friendly dinosaur fun. Why look for inconsistencies in a kid's movie? So it's not like the books - most kid's movies aren't.My son has every word of this movie memorized - subsequently, so do I. If you have young children, especially those that like dinosaurs, this movie is perfect.