I initially shrugged off this BBC production as unworthy of a visit to my local multiplex, but with a decent trailer and an excited child, I changed my mind. I shouldn't have. Although not completely dire, this quasi-lesson in prehistoric creatures is dull and repetitive. Following a Rhino-type dinosaur named Patchi (voiced by Justin Long) from birth through to adulthood, it's predictable, episodic and melodramatic, squandering any potential it may have had with a story that could've been interesting and meaty whilst being educational. The animation of the beasts – inserted into real shots of a lovely New Zealand backdrop – is better than you may expect, however the choice to have the voices sounding over the top of the action (ie, their mouths aren't moving) is distracting and at times unintentionally humorous. Despite my boredom and negativity, my seven year old daughter seemed to enjoy the experience, but I'm sure this was heightened with popcorn and soft drink.
Review of Walking with Dinosaurs 3D
