Alpha and Omega: Dino Digs

Alpha and Omega: Dino Digs from 2016 is the 6th installment in the animation-filled, Alpha and Omega franchise. This family-friendly film features the voice talents of Ben Diskin, Kate Higgins, Debi Derryberry, and Marieve Herington, and is directed by Tim Maltby.

The central characters of the film are the wolf couple, Kate (voiced by Kate Higgins) and Humphrey (voiced by Ben Diskin). Kate is an Alpha—a pack leader, competent, and responsible, while Humphrey is an Omega—a fun-loving, carefree wolf. They are joined by their three wolf pups—Stinky, Claudette, and Runt. This anthropomorphic wolf family forms the core of the movie, and their adventures are both fun and fascinating, as they navigate the challenges of the wild and the dynamics of their pack with humor and heart.

The animal family's narrative takes a turn when they are forced to relocate to a hilltop due to a mishap in their original home. The new location is where the excitement unfolds as it turns out to be a prehistoric themed golf course. The mundane task of settling into their new place of residence turns into an exceptional adventure when they discover a mysterious raptor fossil that has mystical powers. It leads to the resurrection of a friendly female raptor named Amy (voice by Marieve Herington).

This movie is not just about mere adventures, but it also implicitly deals with issues of, stereotypes, cultural misunderstanding, and adjustment in new environments. It further teaches the viewers about the value of family, friendship, and bonding. The concept of wolves bonding and communicating with a dinosaur might seem unrealistic, but the essence of it is more about building a bridge between different species or, metaphorically, cultures. The wolves and the dinosaur need to work together to overcome the hurdles they encounter, highlighting the importance of unity despite our differences.

The witty dialogue and humor in Alpha and Omega: Dino Digs ensure that it never loses its appeal to children. The camaraderie among the siblings is charming and hilarious, with each character possessing unique traits. For instance, Runt is the runt of the lot, small and spunky. His funny antics and fearlessness add comic relief to the film. Claudette, on the other hand, is very similar to her mother—dedicated, astute, and brave. Stinky is the well-rounded big brother, who is equally comfortable in being a responsible elder brother and a goofy part of the brother-sister trio.

While the scripting of the movie is engaging, the other strengths of Alpha and Omega: Dino Digs lie in its brilliant animation and wonderful voice acting. The voice talents of Ben Diskin, Kate Higgins, Debi Derryberry, and Marieve Herington, along with the supporting ensemble, breathed life into their respective characters and made this animated feature a delightful watch. The film features a striking blend of contemporary animation that manages to make the cartoon wolves and dinosaur appealing and full of vibrant character.

The movie also excels in the area of music, where it uses fun and up-beat tunes to reel in the younger audience. These catch tunes not only drive the plot but also blend in perfectly with the scenes, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the movie.

Alpha and Omega: Dino Digs stands as a delightful family movie that is perfectly designed for a fun-filled family movie night. Not only does it tickle the funny bone with comedy, but it also weaves in essential life skills and lessons seamlessly. The film is a wholesome package of adventure, humor, beautiful graphics, and music—an entertaining blend that genuinely makes it a joy for viewers of all ages.