I don’t know how, but for me, 2016 was a truly amazing year, when several sequels of successful franchises (and original films) appeared on the screens, but did not justify the credibility. The remake of “Ghostbusters”, corresponding to the agenda, the 5th part of “Ice Age” with an abundance of new and old characters, the sequel to “Independence Day”, nothing new showing, the controversial “Batman v Superman”, divided the audience into fans and haters of the tape Zack Snyder. Such examples can be given for a long time. But as for me, the marathon of useless sequels was launched at the very beginning of the year, when in February the 14th part of the saga about the dinosaurs "Earth before the beginning of time"
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The once successful animated franchise “Earth Before Time” managed to lose its charm by the end of the 2000s and move from the category “Direct by DVD” to the animated series for the viewer (which was, in fact, the logical conclusion of this long life path of the entire cycle). But when the series was closed after season 2, apparently someone wanted to shoot another part again to sell it on... something. Because by the mid-2010s, the era of DVD was actually a thing of the past, with the advent of the Internet and online cinemas. Of course, Blu-ray discs are still sold, but this is not the case anymore. And to whom will the new part be addressed, what target audience, if all those who grew up on these cartoons in the 90s, are not already? Not surprisingly, few people in Russia know that after 9 years, a new part has come out. The truth is not translated into Russian (but already on the Internet there are options with Russian subtitles). Where then will demand and supply come from, if there was no development in either side?
Over the years, we have seen the same thing: a group of dinosaur children, led by Littlefoot, abandon their relatives, and set out from the Great Valley for adventures to achieve a certain goal. After watching Part 14, I realized I didn’t see anything new. It's the same as in the '90s as it was in the 2000s. There is no hint that the heroes at least a little, but grew up. And then there were the snails and the snails. And the graphics, fortunately, remained the same, and not completely switched to 3D (although this format was fashionable in those years).
The focus of part 14 was the long-awaited meeting of Littlefoot with his father. But there is a possibility that this meeting may not take place due to the fact that the father of the baby (he is also the leader of the pack) is in danger. And if Littlefoot turns out to be the most motivated character for the campaign, then his friends act as irritants (even I wanted him to abandon them and go look for his father alone).
In general, a typical story of this cycle of adventures of young dinosaurs, it is unclear why released after only years. She does not want to be scolded or praised. Against the background of the previous parts, this one looks kind of empty and passable. Although quite template and typical for such a franchise. But for the finale of the saga was somehow weak. Perhaps at that time there were plans for the 15th part, but either weak sales fees affected, or realized that no one needs it.
Well, everything has an end.
4 out of 10