Cliffords Really Big Movie (2004)

"Young children will snuggle up in the movie's cozy good cheer.  A.O. Scott, The New York Times
"Brings the Big Red Dog, beloved by children from Norman Bridwell's books...to the screen with style and charm.  Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
"The makers of the animated Clifford's Really Big Movie should be applauded.  Robert Abele, Los Angeles Weekly

Editor's Note Taking the loveable "Big Red Dog" out of the book series for a big-screen adventure, CLIFFORD'S REALLY BIG MOVIE is a feature-length animation starring not only the giant pup but also his owner, Emily Elisabeth, and his pals, Cleo and T-Bone. In this story, Clifford gets his feelings hurt when he hears the Howards talking about the enormous meals he eats. Thinking he can help by paying for some of his own dog food, he sets out on his own, leaving Birdwell Island and taking up with a touring circus. But, homesick and lonely, he eventually returns, only to learn that he was greatly missed and is welcomed back with open arms.

	Grey DeLisle - Voice Of
	Jenna Elfman - Voice Of
	Jody Gray - Original Music By
	John Goodman - Voice Of
	John Ritter - Voice Of
	Judge Reinhold - Voice Of
	Kel Mitchell - Voice Of
	Michael Humphries - Art Director
	Mike Young, et. al. - Producer
	Monte Bramer - Editor
	Norman Bridwell - Based On Books By
	Rhett Reese - Screenplay
	Robert C. Ramirez - Screenplay
	Robert Ramirez - Director
	Wayne Brady - Voice Of
	Wilmer Valderrama - Voice Of

Sight and Sound
"[I]t tells its basic story well....The backgrounds are surprisingly colourful and attractive..." 06/01/2005 p.49

Reel.com 7 of 10
So, how big is Clifford's Really Big Movie? Maybe too big for a toddler's britches. The popular PBS show gets a Warner Brothers makeover for the big screen, one designed to make it appeal not only to pre-schoolers, but to older siblings as well. The kids will love it, as always, while parents of little ones will lament the descent into sameness and contrivance. The things that made the TV-version of Norman Bridwell's early reader books so charming are no where to be found in this film by Robert Ramirez (The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars). Gone are the overt life-lessons, the neighborhood circle of family and friends, and the simple primary-color two-dimensionality of the animation. In its place is a standard-issue plot, an artistic design that could pass for a Scooby-Doo set, and a musical score so familiar you could swear you've heard it before. - James Plath

DVD Verdict 9 of 10
I hate cliches like "family fun" or "a heartwarming tale," but Clifford's Really Big Movie fits the bill...On the surface, Clifford's Really Big Movie is your standard kids' flick: a road trip, some angst, a resolution. Look deeper, however, and you will find that what seems so standard really isn't...Entertainment aimed at children is often heavily didactic; it means well, but it ends up hitting them over the head with moral lessons. This film's approach, however, is so gentle that children will instantly relate to the central conflict and manage to enjoy themselves in the process. The film explores common feelings such as jealousy in depth, along with offering a subtle tutorial in conflict resolution...The conflict [Clifford] experiences with Shackelford has an intensity rarely seen in children's programming. - Lacey Worrell