Dino Time (2012)

Synopsis:
In Dino Time, three adventurous kids, Ernie, Max, and Julia, find themselves on an unexpected journey back in time. After sneaking into Ernie's mom's lab, they accidentally activate a time machine that transports them to the prehistoric era. There, they encounter a friendly T-Rex named Tyra and her rambunctious son, Dodger. As they navigate this ancient world, the kids must find a way to return home before their parents discover they're missing. Along the way, they face various challenges and meet other dinosaurs, all while trying to avoid the dangers of the prehistoric landscape. With time running out, Ernie, Max, and Julia must work together to fix the time machine and make it back to their own time.
Where To Watch: Dino Time
Parental Feedback
"Dino Time" is a 2012 animated adventure-comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie combines elements of time travel and prehistoric adventure, creating a fun and engaging experience for young audiences. While the film's vibrant animation and lighthearted tone are generally well-received, some parents feel the storyline lacks depth. Overall, it is seen as an entertaining choice for children, though not without its minor criticisms.
Why Kids Should Watch Dino Time
The movie offers a delightful mix of adventure and humor that captivates young viewers.
- Promotes teamwork and friendship as the characters work together to solve problems.
- The character of Ernie showcases bravery and curiosity, encouraging kids to explore and learn.
- Colorful animation and dynamic dinosaur scenes provide visual excitement.
- Light-hearted humor keeps the tone fun and engaging for children.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Dino Time
Some parents express concerns about the film's lack of educational content and depth.
- The plot may be too simplistic, offering little educational value.
- Some scenes involve mild peril that could be unsettling for very young children.
- The fast-paced action might be confusing for kids who prefer slower storytelling.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the film's lack of depth and educational content.
What Parents Should Know About Dino Time
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the characters demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving skills. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | There are moments of mild peril that might require parental reassurance. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters learn from their mistakes and face consequences for their actions. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film emphasizes teamwork and cooperation among the characters. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of friendship and working together to overcome challenges. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
"Dino Time" is praised for its engaging animation and fun adventure, making it a hit with many kids. However, some parents wish for more educational content and a deeper storyline. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes and addressing any confusing moments. For families seeking more educational value, movies like "The Land Before Time" might be a better alternative.
Official Dino Time Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Dino Time
Dino Time's most common core values include Teamwork, Courage, and Problem-solving. The kids—Ernie, Max, and Julia—must work together to navigate the prehistoric world and find their way back home. They show courage as they face fearsome dinosaurs and unfamiliar surroundings. Through their journey, they engage in problem-solving to fix the time machine before it's too late.
The value of teamwork shines when Ernie, Max, and Julia combine their strengths to figure out how to repair the time machine. They each step up and contribute to the plan, showing how important it is to lean on each other. Courage is highlighted when they decide to help the friendly T-Rex, Tyra, even though it means taking risks. One particular moment that showcases problem-solving is when they cleverly distract a threatening dinosaur with a plan they quickly hatch together.
Other Core Values Explored: Family love | Friendship | Determination | Being brave | Making good choices | Responsibility. | Self-discovery
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Dino Time
Working as a Team: Ernie, Max, and Julia learn the importance of teamwork as they navigate the prehistoric era. They must rely on each other’s strengths and ideas to overcome the obstacles they face, such as how to fix the time machine and avoid predators.
Facing Fears Head-On: The kids confront their fears numerous times, whether it's facing massive dinosaurs or the fear of being stuck in a different time. Their bravery grows as they continue their journey back to the present.
Importance of Family: Throughout their adventure, the kids realize the value of family and the stability it provides. This realization fuels their determination to return home, highlighting how family ties keep them grounded even in the most chaotic situations.
Believing in Yourself: Ernie gains confidence as he tackles each challenge, showing viewers how self-belief can be a powerful motivator. Each success along the way boosts his self-confidence and reinforces the lesson that believing in oneself is key to achieving goals.
Learning from Mistakes: The accidental activation of the time machine teaches the kids about the consequences of irresponsible behavior. As they work to rectify their mistake, they learn valuable lessons about responsibility and the importance of thinking before acting.
Other Lessons Learned: Being True to Yourself | Building Friendships | Choosing Right Over Easy | Discovering Hidden Strengths | Finding Courage | Making a Difference | Never Giving Up | Supporting Your Friends
Why Kids Love Dino Time
In "Dino Time," kids dive into a prehistoric world packed with gigantic dinosaurs and colorful scenery. The adventure kicks off when Ernie, Max, and Julia stumble upon a time machine that shoots them back to the age of dinosaurs. The prehistoric era is a wild ride with each corner offering unbelievable surprises. Funny dinosaurs like Tyra and her playful son, Dodger, add a layer of humor to the thrilling journey. As the kids explore, they encounter amazing creatures and jaw-dropping adventures, like riding on the backs of massive dinosaurs or finding clever ways to hide from the more sinister ones. Young viewers find themselves wrapped up in the excitement of this world, curious about what mind-boggling thing might happen next.
The movie keeps everyone on their toes with its fast-paced storyline, where every minute counts against the ticking clock to find their way back home. Kids are swept away by the cool gadgets and peculiar inventions they discover throughout their journey. One exciting moment leads to another, and the team has to use their wits to outsmart any challenges they face. A critical aspect is the inventive problem-solving as the kids join forces to fix what they’ve broken. Whether they devise a plan to sneak past a colossal dinosaur or unravel the mystery of the time machine, the movie keeps kids captivated with its blend of action and surprises. The thrill of exploring a lost world and the quest to get back home makes "Dino Time" an irresistible movie for young adventurers.