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Clifford the Big Red Dog (film)

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This article is about the 2021 film. For the 2004 animated film, see Clifford's Really Big Movie.
Not to be confused with Clifford (film).
Clifford the Big Red Dog
A big red dog, as tall as two people, stands in a fountain shaking off water
Official release poster
Directed byWalt Becker
Screenplay by
  • Jay Scherick
  • David Ronn
  • Blaise Hemingway
Story by
  • Justin Malen
  • Ellen Rapoport
Based onClifford the Big Red Dog
by Norman Bridwell
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyPeter Lyons Collister
Edited bySabrina Plisco
Music byJohn Debney
Production
companies
Distributed by
  • Paramount Pictures (Worldwide)[1]
  • Entertainment One[2] (Canada and United Kingdom)[1]
Release dates
  • August 26, 2021 (2021-08-26) (CinemaCon)[3]
  • November 10, 2021 (2021-11-10) (United States)
Running time
96 minutes[4]
Countries
  • Canada
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$64 million[5]
Box office$107.4 million[6][7]

Clifford the Big Red Dog is a 2021 adventure comedy film directed by Walt Becker and based on the children's book series of the same name by Norman Bridwell starring Jack Whitehall, Darby Camp, Tony Hale, Sienna Guillory, David Alan Grier, Russell Wong, Kenan Thompson and John Cleese.[8]

The film was screened unannounced on August 26, 2021, during the 2021 CinemaCon event in Los Angeles. It was initially scheduled to premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival in September 2021, to be followed by a theatrical release in the United States on September 17 after being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic by Paramount Pictures, but was ultimately pulled from the festival and had its release date removed from Paramount's schedule due to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Ultimately, the film was simultaneously released theatrically and digitally on Paramount+ on November 10, 2021, in the United States.[9] It received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $107 million worldwide on a $64 million budget. A sequel is in development.[10]

Plot

In New York City, Emily Elizabeth Howard, a 12-year-old middle school student who lives with her mother, Maggie, is regularly bullied by a popular girl at school named Florence, but finds comfort in her only new friend Owen Yu. Maggie leaves her in the care of her van-dwelling and irresponsible uncle Casey before going to Chicago for a business trip.

Mr. Bridwell, who runs an animal rescue tent at a park, introduces Emily to a small red puppy whose family had been taken by dogcatchers. He tells her that the puppy will grow based on how much love he receives. Casey rejects the adoption due to dogs not being allowed in the apartment building. When Emily gets home from school, she finds the puppy in her backpack and names him Clifford. Casey allows her to keep Clifford only for one night.

The next morning, Clifford has grown to giant proportions. Emily and Casey attempt to hide him from the building's superintendent, Mr. Packard. They try taking Clifford to a veterinarian, but he chases and plays with a man in an inflatable bubble. Word of his existence quickly spreads online. After learning from the vet's secretary of Bridwell's past miracles with animals and their owners, the Howards plan to get information on his whereabouts. As Emily is getting lunch for Clifford from the cafeteria, Clifford escapes from Casey's truck and humiliates Florence, giving Emily the friends she always wanted.

Zac Tieran, the owner of biotechnology company Lyfegro, discovers Clifford on social media. He lies to the police that Clifford is his dog and has them search for him. After being evicted from their apartment and chased by the police and Lyfegro guards, Emily and Casey take shelter in Owen's lavish apartment. Casey tells Emily she can keep Clifford if they find Bridwell and take his advice. If he cannot help, Clifford must be sent to China, where Owen's father has a sanctuary. They race to the hospital, only to find Bridwell's empty bed and a patient who tells them Bridwell has died. Clifford is thus sent away by a boat arranged by Mr. Yu as Emily tearfully says goodbye.

The next day, Clifford is captured on the ship by Lyfegro personnel and sent to Lyfegro. Emily soon learns Bridwell did not die, so she and Casey try to save Clifford from being operated on at Lyfegro, aided by friends from their neighborhood. They break into Lyfegro's headquarters and rescue Clifford, who then flees through the city with Emily riding on him.

At Manhattan Bridge Park, a large crowd gathers as Emily desperately asks Bridwell to help, and he tells her that she must stand up for herself and for Clifford and that being different is a gift. Emily explains to everyone the importance of love, regardless of differences. However, Tieran orders the police chief to see who Clifford's owner is by checking an ID chip he had implanted. When the chip identifies Emily as Clifford's rightful owner, the police arrest Tieran and inform him that he will be fined for lying to them. Emily, Casey, and Maggie are welcomed back into their apartment; Casey gets a job at Scholastic Corporation and moves out of his van.

Cast

Production

In May 2012, it was reported that Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment would produce a live-action/animated film based on the book. Matt Lopez was hired to write the script while Chris Meledandri and Deborah Forte were to produce,[15] but in July 2013, it was reported that Illumination cancelled the project.[16] On September 13, 2013, it was reported that the film was still in development at Universal Pictures with David Bowers in talks to direct the film.[17] Like the 2011 film Hop, the titular dog character will be animated while the other characters will be live-action.[17] In 2016, Paramount Pictures had purchased the rights to develop a live-action and animated hybrid film.[18] On September 25, 2017, it was reported that Walt Becker had been hired to direct from a script being re-written by Ellen Rapoport, and from the original written by Justin Malen, which would be produced by Forte through her Silvertongue Films banner.[19] On June 20, 2019, Paramount closed a deal with Entertainment One to co-finance the film. Under the deal, Entertainment One Films would distribute the film in Canada and the United Kingdom excluding TV broadcast rights for the latter country, while Paramount would distribute in all other territories including the United States.[1] On December 25, 2019, a photo from the film was leaked, revealing the computer-generated form of Clifford in the live-action scenery.[20][21] In May 2019, Camp and Whitehall signed on to star in the film.[22] In June 2019, Cleese, Guillory, Wang, Grier, Rosie Perez, Keith Ewell, Bear Allen-Blaine and Lynn Cohen joined the cast.[23][14] Principal photography began on June 10, 2019, in New York City[24][25][26][27] and wrapped on August 23, 2019, after 55 days of shooting.[28] The visual effects were made by Moving Picture Company.[29] On November 18, 2020, it was announced that John Debney would compose the film's score.[30] The song "Room for You" performed by Madison Beer, was released on November 5, 2021.[31]

Release

Clifford the Big Red Dog was simultaneously released in theaters in Dolby Cinema and streaming on Paramount+ on November 10, 2021, in the United States.[9] It was initially scheduled to have its world premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival in September,[32] followed by a theatrical release on September 17 by Paramount Pictures,[33] but the festival premiere was cancelled and the studio removed the film from its release schedule due to the rise of the Delta variant of COVID-19.[34] It was originally scheduled to be released November 13, 2020, before being delayed to November 5, 2021[35][36] due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[37] Prior to that, Universal Pictures initially slated the then-unproduced film for April 8, 2016 and then pushed back to December 31, 2016.[38][39] The film had a surprise unannounced screening on August 26, 2021, during the 2021 CinemaCon event in Los Angeles.[3] The film was then released in the UK on December 10, 2021, by Entertainment One. The film was also dedicated to Richard Robinson, the former CEO of Scholastic Corporation, who passed away on June 5, 2021.

Home media

Clifford the Big Red Dog was released on digital download by Paramount Home Entertainment on December 14, 2021, which features deleted scenes and special features including a behind-the-scenes look with interviews from the cast, and how Clifford's adventures began from the book series to the big screen. It was also released on February 1, 2022, on Blu-ray and DVD.[40]

Reception

Box office

Clifford the Big Red Dog grossed $49 million in the United States and Canada and $58.4 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $107.4 million against a $64 million budget.[6] In the United States and Canada, Clifford the Big Red Dog was projected to gross $15–17 million from 3,695 theaters over its first five days.[41] The film made $2.3 million on its first day and $3.3 million on its second.[42] It went on to debut to $16.4 million (and a total of $22 million over the five days), finishing second behind holdover Eternals.[43][44] In its second weekend the film fell 51% to $8.1 million, finishing third.[45] The film made $725,000 on Thanksgiving and then $5 million in its third weekend, placing sixth.[46][47] The film went on to make $1.9 million in its fourth weekend,[48][49] $1.3 million in its fifth,[50][51] and $404,068 in its sixth.[52][53]

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 58% based on 95 reviews with an average rating of 5.4/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "It may get younger viewers to sit and stay, but Clifford the Big Red Dog is nowhere near as charming as its classic source material."[54] On Metacritic the film has a weighted average score of 55 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[55] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, while those at PostTrak gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars.[44]

Owen Gleiberman of Variety wrote: "Clifford the Big Red Dog becomes a rowdy chase film-- as agreeable as Clifford himself, as simultaneously cute and in-your-face and as genially random in its ability to create chaos."[56] Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "It's not reinventing the wheel or breaking new ground; [and] it's unlikely to wow audiences with its bold artistic vision or profound emotional depths. But there's a place for sturdy and familiar entertainment that delivers exactly what it intends, and Clifford the Big Red Dog is just that."[57]

Graphic novel adaptation

Comic writer Georgia Ball and illustrator Chi Ngo adapted the film into a graphic novel entitled Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Movie Graphic Novel, which was originally scheduled to be published on August 23, 2021, but was pushed back to December 7, 2021, one month after the film's release.[58]

Sequel

In November 2021, it was reported that Paramount Pictures and Entertainment One are developing a sequel to the film.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Dylan O'Brien's 'Monster Problems,' 'Clifford' Backed by Paramount, eOne". Variety. 20 June 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
  2. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (20 June 2019). "Paramount & eOne Team For 'Clifford The Big Red Dog' & Dylan O'Brien Pic 'Monster Problems'". Deadline. Paramount Pictures and Entertainment One (eOne) will co-finance two upcoming wide theatrical releases
  3. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony; Tartaglione, Nancy (August 26, 2021). "'Clifford The Big Red Dog' Showing Up At Paramount CinemaCon Presentation". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  4. ^ "Clifford the Big Red Dog - Movie Review". 20 July 2021.
  5. ^ Scott Mendelson (November 14, 2021). "Box Box Office: 'Clifford' Earns Doggone Decent $22M Debut". Forbes. Archived from the original on November 14, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  7. ^ "Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  8. ^ Wojnar, Zak (June 29, 2021). "Clifford the Big Red Dog Trailer Brings Beloved Children's Books to Life". Screen Rant.
  9. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 23, 2021). "'Clifford The Big Red Dog' Returns To Q4 Release Schedule, Will Go Day & Date In Theaters & On Paramount+". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  10. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 23, 2021). "'Clifford The Big Red Dog' Getting Sequel From Paramount". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  11. ^ "How comedian Paul Rodriguez regained his mojo — and his faith | Angelus News". 2019-08-07. Retrieved 2020-10-06.
  12. ^ Fraser, Garnet (January 22, 2020). "Russell Peters has an amazing house to sell you — and a new standup special". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  13. ^ Alleman, Annie (October 27, 2019). "RStandup comic Russell Peters ends tour with Hammond show". Post-Tribune. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
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  16. ^ Debruge, Peter (July 17, 2013). "Illumination Chief Chris Meledandri Lines Up Originals for Universal". Variety. Retrieved July 18, 2013. At the same time, Illumination has scrapped a number of planned movie ideas. Waldo and a Tim Burton-helmed, stop-motion The Addams Family are dead. The company abandoned a Woody Woodpecker pic, and couldn't crack Clifford the Big Red Dog.
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  20. ^ Perry, Spencer (December 25, 2019). "Clifford the Big Red Dog Live-Action Movie First Look Leaks". ComicBook.
  21. ^ Wagner, Bonnie Lynn (January 5, 2020). "First Look at Live Action Adaptation of CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG". BroadwayWorld.
  22. ^ Kit, Borys (May 28, 2019). "Jack Whitehall, 'Big Little Lies' Actress to Star in 'Clifford, the Big Red Dog' Adaptation (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  23. ^ Galuppo, Mia (June 11, 2019). "John Cleese, Sienna Guillory Join 'Clifford, the Big Red Dog' Movie (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  24. ^ "Jack Whitehall on Instagram: "Clifford read through done. First day shooting today. The wall display behind Darby and I is essentially what @hilarywhitehall would would…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  25. ^ Bittle, Jake (July 17, 2019). "Clifford the Big Red Dog is coming to Brooklyn — but can he fit?". Brooklyn Eagle. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  26. ^ Davis, Brandon (August 13, 2019). "Terrifying Photos From Clifford The Big Red Dog Set Surface Online". ComicBook.com. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
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  28. ^ "Jack Whitehall on Instagram: "That's a wrap. 55 day shoot and it flew by. A few tears where shed at wrap as i had such an amazing time shooting this one. What an…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  29. ^ "Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)". MPC Film. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  30. ^ "John Debney to Score Disney+'s 'Home Alone' Reboot | Film Music Reporter". Retrieved 2020-11-24.
  31. ^ "Madison Beer's Original Song 'Room for You' from 'Clifford the Big Red Dog' Released". Film Music Reporter. November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  32. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 20, 2021). "Toronto Festival Unveils 'Dear Evan Hansen' As Opening-Night Premiere, Zhang Yimou's 'One Second' As Closer; Check Out First Slated Films". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
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  43. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 13, 2021). "'Eternals' Eyes $27M+ Second Weekend; 'Clifford' Woofs $20M 5-Day: Is Theatrical Hybrid Model Really The Answer For Family Movies?". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
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  45. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 20, 2021). "'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' Calls Up $44M Opening Weekend – Sunday AM Update". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
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  55. ^ "Clifford the Big Red Dog Reviews". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  56. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (7 November 2021). "'Clifford the Big Red Dog' Review: The Agreeable Version of a CGI-Critter-Meets-Live-Action Diversion". Variety.
  57. ^ Han, Angie (7 November 2021). "'Clifford the Big Red Dog': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter.
  58. ^ Ball, Georgia (October 6, 2020). 'Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Movie Graphic Novel' by Georgia Ball. ISBN 978-1338665109.
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