My Pet Dinosaur

My Pet Dinosaur is a captivating adventure movie released in 2017. Produced in Australia by Emmy award-winning director Matt Drummond with a stellar performance by actors Jordan Dulieu, Annabel Wolfe, and Scott Irwin. The film tells the story of a young boy, his captivating dinosaur friend, and the thrilling adventure that comes their way. It cleverly conjures shades of E.T. and Jurassic Park, juxtaposing suburban life with the fantastical world of dinosaurs to deliver a seemingly impossible friendship.

In this cinematic journey, the plot primarily revolves around Jake (Jordan Dulieu), a scrappy, tenacious young boy with a knack for adventure. Jake is not your typical hero. He's an ordinary, struggling young lad grappling with the disintegration of his family. His mother keeps long hours at a job that barely brings in enough income, and his elder brother Mike (Harrison Saunders) shoulders parental responsibilities since their father left town.

The town of Brightwood itself – where Jake lives – echoes with themes of regression and economic decay. The town, once a thriving hub due to its military base, is now struggling. The job shortage has brought with it a feeling of discouragement and depression that hovers like a gloomy cloud.

However, Jake's humdrum life takes an unexpected and wild turn during a playful journey with his friends: Max Merrimack (Tom Rooney), Abbey Tansy (Annabel Wolfe), and Billy Merrimack (Christopher Gabardi). Jake stumbles upon a strange piece of "rock" in the woods that eventually hatches into a creature from the prehistoric past - a real-life dinosaur. With childlike innocence and curiosity, Jake nurtures and cares for his new pet – whom he names “Magnus” – out of the prying eyes of his elder brother and the rest of the town.

Initially, the creature is small and adorable; however, it soon starts growing at an alarming rate. It becomes increasingly challenging for Jake to keep Magnus hidden from his family and, more critically, from a devious corporate government body and a man with a military background who have vested interests in Magnus.

The once quiet town of Brightwood suddenly finds itself at the centre of bizarre happenings and spectral-like sightings, igniting an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and excitement, where once life was mundane and predictable.

Jake's relationship with his pet dinosaur is at once mesmerizing and heartwarming. It offers an authentic portrayal of a young boy's love for his extraordinary pet. Scott Irwin plays the intimidating Colonel Roderick, placing himself as the story's primary antagonist, adding tension and creating solid conflict. Annabel Wolfe, as Abbey Tansy, also delivers a commendable performance in the film. She comes off as a spirited, headstrong girl with a sense of adventure that matches Jake’s.

While the screenplay merges fantasy and reality with ease, the special effects involving the visual representation of the dinosaur are genuinely captivating. The blend of CGI and real-life action breathes life into the film, creating moments that leave the audience mesmerized.

The narrative conveys powerful messages of friendship, acceptance, bravery, and about standing up for what you believe in. It is a film that integrates the fantastic with the credible, keeping the audience engaged and rooting for the protagonists. The tale's heart resides within the bond between a young boy and his dinosaur, illuminating the power of friendship - no matter how unlikely - and the lengths one will go to protect it.

Overall, My Pet Dinosaur is a riveting adventurous tale about finding magic in the mundane, leading us through the reality of everyday life while weaving in the extraordinary. It is an audience pleaser with an engaging storyline, gripping plot, enviable camaraderie, a disarming dose of cute, added danger, and an essence of intrigue that collectively provide an exhilarating viewing experience. Despite its humble roots and budget constraints, it stumps many higher-budget movies in terms of heart and storytelling.

"My Pet Dinosaur" is more than just an imaginative joyride; it's a testament to the power of friendship and courage in the face of adversity, making it a delightful family watch.