The Land Before Time Review

If there's one thing this movie is known for (outside of the numerous sequels and the iconic scene of Littlefoot's mother dying), it's how it had a troubled production. Originally, the movie was going to be around 80-82 minutes long instead of 69 minutes, but due to how the original cut of the film was very dark and contained intense scenes of the characters in peril, roughy 19 scenes that were considered too dark and intense for children were cut in order to avoid a PG-rating. Some scenes were also altered. Originally, Littlefoot was going to find the Great Valley first then would go back to rescue the others. That's why after they pushed Sharptooth off the ledge, you can still see that same exact rock still there in there in the background. The fight between Littlefoot's mother and Sharptooth was also a little longer. The climax was also longer as well. Originally, Petrie was going to fight with Sharptooth longer while Ducky distracted him by making faces at him. Also, the original ending after they all ran up that hill and did a group hug was going to have Ducky kiss Petrie again, but this time on the mouth, and the sky was more yellow. Now on to the movie itself, does this movie still hold up, or is it one big pile of dinosaur shit?

The story follows a longneck named Littlefoot, who's mother died while saving him and Cera, as he tries to find the Great Valley along with Cera, Ducky, Petrie, and Spike. Along the way, they form a friendship. While they're finding the Great Valley, a sharptooth is hunting them. When you look at the movie first glance, it looks like it'll be a cute movie about baby dinosaurs, but you'll be wrong. The movie is actually pretty damn dark and depressing. The characters are constantly in danger and the stakes are pretty high as well. Now, while the movie's main plot is about them finding the Great Valley, the movie also has themes of discrimination, death, and poverty. The discrimination theme is probably the best aspect of the movie. These characters know that they can't be friends with each other because of their different backgrounds, but as the movie progresses, they eventually look past their different backgrounds and form a friendship. Speaking of the friendship between these characters, it's honestly the heart of the movie and what keeps you invested. However, the movies writing suffers from the numerous continuity errors. Aside from the error where the rock was still in the background after they pushed Sharptooth off the cliff, the scene where they're running to the entrance of the Great Valley. The shot of them running just has Spike (with Ducky on his head) and Cera running to the entrance. The next shot? Littlefoot suddenly appears right beside them with Petrie on his head. That's honestly a glaring continuity error. However, despite that, the writing is still really damn good.

The animation is great. These dinosaurs are distinctive and well animated, and they have a wide-range of emotion. The backgrounds are also beautifully animated as well, but to be honest, I honestly saw a small amount of animation errors. Like for instance, when Littlefoot said, Cera, you're back!" his mouth didn't even move. Plus, the part where they met Petrie, Ducky's eyes were brown instead of blue for some reason. Despite those small errors though, the animation is still pretty damn good.

Now, let's get to the part everyone remembers most about the movie, the characters. Starting off with hero of the movie, Littlefoot, he's the determined leader of the group that leads them to them to the Great Valley. What makes him a loveable and a great character is his good heart. Throughout the movie, he's always looking out for the others and making sure they get to the valley safe. Then there's Cera who's a mean little shit. I get that she's supposed to be a bitch, but she was honestly hateable. Not only does she insult Littlefoot's mother (keep in mind, his mother saved her ass and died for it too), but she nearly got Littlefoot killed by not listening to him during their first encounter of the sharptooth. Next, there's Ducky, and how could you not love her? She's just so sweet and loveable. Also, rest in peace in Judith Barsi. Petrie does start off as annoying, but he does get better as the movie goes along, and as for Spike, he just likes to eat allot and that's all you have to know about him. Lastly, there's Sharptooth. Now, many could consider him the villain of the movie, but honestly, I don't know if he is. I mean, he's a T-rex and they eat meat. So, it makes sense that he would go after Littlefoot and his friends due to them being the only food he has in their crapsack world. However, there's a book called The Land Before Time: The Illustrated Story that gives deeper insight on Sharptooth's thoughts. In the book, he's a cold-blooded, sadistic vicious killer who knows what's he doing and wants revenge on Littlefoot for fucking up his eye. Regardless, he's still a badass T-Rex. As a whole, the characters are likeable, but Cera, Petrie, and Spike could've had better writing on them.

Well, it holds up very well. Despite a few continuity errors and Cera being an unlikeable character, The Land Before Time is a heartfelt movie with a mature and powerful story about friendship, beautiful animation, a beautiful soundtrack composed by James Honor, and likeable characters.

8/10

The Land Before Time is owned by Universal Pictures