Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Good Dinosaur -- Pixar's lush animated prehistoric saga that successfully melds Finding Nemo and E.T. -- has stunning visuals, moments of clever humor, strong messages about loyalty and bravery, and many scenes of danger, trauma, and peril that are likely to frighten younger/more sensitive viewers. (Spoiler alert!) Apatosaurus Arlo is separated from his family after a severe storm/flash flood claims his father's life (a series of events that could definitely upset kids); plus, carnivorous, sharp-toothed beasts attack Arlo and his human friend, Spot; more storms bring destruction and deadly threats; and the heroes barely survive a dangerous ride down a waterfall -- which is all the more intense because the film's settings look extremely real. Arlo's many fears and desperation to get home will certainly make some kids anxious; be ready to reassure them. There's also a scene in which Arlo and Spot scarf down fermented fruit, seem to get a little drunk (they hallucinate), and then wake up with headaches. Editor's Note: Sanjay's Super Team, the animated short that runs before the film in theaters, has moments that are very intense and scary, with a fiery, frightening bad guy.
Sexual
Content
Violence
Many scenes of peril/danger, as well as loss. (Spoiler alert!) Arlo's father dies in a flood, and, shortly after, the younger dinosaur is separated from the rest of his family and must fend for himself in the wilderness; later audiences learn that Spot lost his family, too. Carnivorous predatory birds and dinosaurs (many with big, sharp teeth) menace Arlo and Spot; they get caught in a stampede as well. Major forces of nature -- including storms, floods, and treacherous mountain passes (all of which look very real) -- repeatedly put Arlo and Spot at mortal risk. Some fighting/hunting; Spot is fierce and fearless, and at one point he rips the head off of a beetle he captures.
Language
"Dang," "shoot," one "bull" that almost sounds like the start of a stronger word.
Social
Behavior
Family is valued above all else, even great friendship. Fear is normal and healthy, but it shouldn't get in the way of living your life; you can get through it to see the beauty on the other side. Kindness, loyalty, encouragement, and resourcefulness are all important. You can make your mark by doing something bigger than yourself.
Consumerism
No actual products within the film, but lots of off-line marketing/licensing tie-ins, from books and apps to a wide variety of toys, clothes, and much more.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Famished Arlo and Spot eat some fermented fruit, get altered/drunk (they hallucinate), and wake up with hangovers.
