We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story

We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story is a family-friendly animated film released in 1993 that effortlessly combines fantasy and adventure. In this delightful and interesting film, dinosaurs are brought back to life with a magical cereal developed by a kind-hearted time-traveling scientist; this concoction not only makes them intelligent but also friendly. With its inclusion of spellbinding fantasy elements, the movie has something to offer for viewers of all ages.

The story is narrated by Rex, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the leading character portrayed by one of Hollywood's most iconic voices, John Goodman. Rex takes us through the fantastic adventure, reliving his thrilling experiences right from when he was an unfeeling predator to his transformation into a friendly and sociable dino.

Guided by the visionary scientist named Captain Neweyes, voiced by Walter Cronkite, these reanimated dinosaurs embark on an enthralling journey. Accompanied by three other lovable dinosaur companions - Dweeb (Rhea Perlman), Woog (Rene LeVant), and Elsa (Felicity Kendal) - Rex journeys to the whimsical and bustling city of New York to fulfill the dreams of children who wish to see real-life dinosaurs.

Set against this fascinating backdrop, We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story perfectly blends education, wonder, and adventure. It teases out scenarios where dinosaurs play baseball in a park, march in a Thanksgiving Day parade, and caper through the city, bringing a fantastic sense of awe and magic.

However, their journey is not all fun and games. The dinosaurs encounter the dastardly and devious Professor Screweyes, strikingly voiced by Kenneth Mars. With his own plans for the friendly dinosaurs in his eerie Eccentric Circus, they confront difficulties and challenges. His evil schemes aim to exploit their former ferocious traits, throwing a wrench in their otherwise jovial expedition.

As their New York visit continues, they befriend two lonely kids, Louie (Joey Shea) and Cecilia (Yeardley Smith), who also have their fair share of troubles and struggles. The movie sensitively portrays these two characters' longing for companionship and family, making the narrative emotionally poignant and relatable to human experiences.

Blaze Berdahl gives voice to the character of Buster, who is a pivotal part of Rex's recollections. Buster, a young bird striving to take his first flight, becomes the fortunate listener of Rex's extraordinary adventures, making the storytelling even more engaging for the younger audience. The bond between Rex and Buster serves as both a plot device and a charming element that appeals to the sentimentality of viewers.

The visual animation of We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story remains engaging, holding up well against the test of time. The film paints a vivid and lively picture of prehistoric creatures thrust into the bustling modern world. Its notable depiction of famous New York's landmarks interspersed within the storyline contributes to a heartwarming aesthetic appeal.

Above all, We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story delivers an important message to its viewers. It emphasizes the value of friendship, courage, and understanding as Rex and his companions traverse uncertainties and challenges.

Characterized by their human-like traits, the lovable dinosaurs act and react like humans, making them relatable and approachable for children. The voice-over performance of John Goodman, Charles Fleischer, and all others in the cast truly bring these charming creatures to life, ensuring that the film stays lively and entertaining from beginning to end.

Essentially, We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story is a timeless piece of animation that can captivate children and adults alike. While the film may use dinosaurs to weave its magic, its underlying themes of courage, understanding, and friendship, along with the exciting adventures the dinosaurs undergo, are sure to cast a spell on every viewer.