Land Before Time Retrospective #7
Released: 2000
As with the sixth film, my feelings about this one have changed since my initial review. I later gave the film another look here.
[Responding to a forum thread discussing the foolishness of Pterano’s decision to kidnap Ducky…]
I kinda agree with both sides of the argument to an extent. I don’t think there was any good reason for Pterano and his goons to abduct Ducky, because I really don’t think any of the adults would have cared all that much about their quest for the Stone. At most some of them might’ve been mildly concerned, but I don’t think they would’ve done anything otherwise. Whereas abducting Ducky was a surefire way to get everyone on their tail, as Malte pointed out. On the other hand, I can see it from the perspective of Pterano being excessively paranoid, and/or making a rash split-second decision the moment they discovered that Ducky had overheard what was supposed to be a secret plan.
Anyway, I watched the film for the first time a few days ago. Most of the previous LBT films I’d seen before as a kid, but I think Secret of Saurus Rock was the last one. Thus, it’ll be uncharted territory from here on out. I did remember a small part of the song “Good Inside”, particularly Cera singing, “Everybody’s got a little dark side to ’em,” but that was just from a commercial for the film and not the film itself.
Hmm… I’m not really sure what to make of this one. Like with The Great Valley Adventure, I have conflicted feelings. But unlike with TGVA, here I can’t really put my finger on why. There were general aspects I liked. Having aliens in Land Before Time is pretty bizarre, but a really cool concept at the same time. I also enjoyed Pterano’s surprisingly dark backstory. And, related to that, how they addressed what it was like for the grown-ups’ journey after they were split up from their kids… although come to think of it I wish they had gone into more detail about that.
I liked the general concept of a mysterious Stone of Cold Fire coming down from the sky. But overall, there were aspects of the plot that felt kinda sloppy in places. I don’t know how to describe it; parts of the film just felt a bit off.
Not sure how many tree stars I’d rate this one out of 8. I feel like I’d have to see it a second time to form a more concrete opinion.
