Clifford the Big Red Dog

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 10, 2021

Genre
Family, Adventure, Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Darby Camp as Emily Elizabeth
• Jack Whitehall as Uncle Casey
• Tony Hale as Zac Tieran
• Sienna Guillory as Maggie
• David Alan Grier as Mr. Packard
• Izaac Wang as Owen Yu
• John Cleese as Mr. Bridwell

Director
Walt Becker

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015)
• Old Dogs (2009)
• Wild Hogs (2007)

Producer
Jordan Kerner, Iole Lucchese, Deborah Forte

Writer
Jay Scherick, David Ronn, Blaise Hemingway, Justin Malen, Ellen Rapoport, based on the book series by Norman Bridwell

Budget
$64 million

Production Company
Paramount Pictures, Scholastic Entertainment, Kerner Entertainment Company

Running Time
97 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG

Content Advisory

• Mild comedic peril
• Slapstick humor

Movie Story
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” is a live-action/CGI family adventure that brings the beloved children’s book character to the big screen. The story follows Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp), a middle schooler who feels out of place at her prestigious New York City school. Her life changes when she meets a magical animal rescuer, Mr. Bridwell (John Cleese), who introduces her to a tiny, red puppy. Emily instantly falls in love with the little dog, but is shocked when she wakes up the next morning to find that the puppy, now named Clifford, has grown into a giant, 10-foot-tall dog overnight.

As Emily tries to keep Clifford a secret in her small New York apartment, her Uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall), who is looking after her while her mother is away on business, realizes they have a big problem—literally. Clifford’s enormous size quickly attracts attention, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and adventures across the city. Along the way, Clifford and Emily form a deep bond, teaching Emily the importance of love, loyalty, and believing in herself.

However, Clifford’s size also catches the eye of a greedy genetics company, led by Zac Tieran (Tony Hale), who wants to capture Clifford and exploit his unique traits for profit. Emily, Uncle Casey, and their friends must work together to protect Clifford from those who wish to harm him, while also finding a way to keep him in their lives forever.

“Clifford the Big Red Dog” is a heartwarming tale that emphasizes themes of acceptance, family, and the idea that love can make anything possible. The film combines humor, adventure, and a touch of magic to create a fun and uplifting experience for audiences of all ages.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Clifford the Big Red Dog” are integral to bringing the titular character to life. Clifford is created using CGI, with attention to detail that makes him appear both enormous and endearing. The effects are designed to be visually appealing and accessible for young audiences, with Clifford’s interactions with the environment and other characters blending seamlessly into the live-action world. The film uses CGI to create a variety of comedic situations, from Clifford’s playful antics in the park to the more dramatic moments when he is chased through the city. The effects are colorful and engaging, capturing the whimsical nature of the source material.

Box Office Performance
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” had a simultaneous release in theaters and on Paramount+, which was influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the film performed well, grossing approximately $107 million worldwide. It was well-received by families and younger audiences, who appreciated the film’s charm and the nostalgia of seeing Clifford on the big screen. While it didn’t break records, it was considered a success given the circumstances.

Filming Locations

• New York City, New York, USA
• Yonkers, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “How big is he going to get?” – Emily Elizabeth
• “That depends on how much you love him.” – Mr. Bridwell

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Walt Becker aimed to create a film that honored the spirit of Norman Bridwell’s beloved book series while making Clifford accessible to a new generation of fans. The choice to use CGI for Clifford allowed the filmmakers to give the dog a larger-than-life presence while maintaining his endearing qualities. Darby Camp, who plays Emily Elizabeth, brought warmth and relatability to the role, helping to ground the fantastical elements of the story in genuine emotion. The film also features a diverse supporting cast, including Jack Whitehall, who adds a comedic touch as the bumbling yet well-meaning Uncle Casey.

Awards
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” did not receive major awards but was praised for its family-friendly appeal and the effective use of CGI to bring the iconic character to life.

Final Verdict
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” is a delightful family film that successfully brings a classic children’s character to the big screen. With its blend of humor, heart, and adventure, the movie is perfect for young viewers and fans of the original books. The CGI work on Clifford is impressive, making him a lovable and memorable presence throughout the film. While the plot is straightforward and somewhat predictable, it’s filled with positive messages about love, acceptance, and the importance of family. Overall, “Clifford the Big Red Dog” is a charming, feel-good movie that delivers plenty of fun for audiences of all ages.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10