Dinosaur Cove

Dinosaur Cove is an enthralling adventure film with a simple, yet sweet plot and high-quality cinematography. It's a superb family-friendly film and will certainly entertain dinosaur-lovers!

The film follows Riley Harrison (Brayden Eaton), an adventurous young boy. Riley discovers pteranodon eggs in the town where his grandfather lives, aptly named Dinosaur Cove. With the help of Dr. Theresa Starr (Holly Houk), he must protect them from a mad scientist named Dr. Victor Vandersaurian (James Pilachowski) and get them to safety. Throughout his journey, he strengthens old bonds, especially with his writer father Wyatt Harrison (Jared Withrow), whom he has grown distant from after his mother's passing.

Director Daniel Knudsen hits another home run with Dinosaur Cove. It's evident he's coached the talented actors very well - they deliver dialogues naturally and emote organically. The script by Derrick Steele is also wonderful; there are no stilted scenes where dialogue feels unnatural. I also love Knudsen's cameo in the film as egg expert Terrance Walker. The cinematography is incredible and I especially love the ending shot of pteranodons flying across the horizon at sunset. It's easy for a romantic subplot to be underdeveloped in an indie film, but the subtle romance between Wyatt Harrison and Dr. Theresa Starr is one of the most heartwarming parts of the film and provides for superb character development, especially in the case of Wyatt, who is recovering from the loss of his wife just a year ago. Jared Withrow and Holly Houk do justice to their roles.

Dinosaur Cove promotes always doing the right thing, even if no one is watching. It also emphasizes teamwork and protecting the vulnerable. It truly is a film with great, family-friendly messages.

I give Dinosaur Cove 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8-125, plus adults. Dinosaur Cove released on June 1, 2022 on digital. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!

I loved this film! It is so heartwarming, exciting, simple, and wholesome. Braydon Eaton as Riley will melt your heart with his cuteness. This young teen's interactions with Jared Withrow (the Dad) are especially endearing and had me thinking "Awww" more than once. It's really nice to see such a warm parent/child relationship on screen as was portrayed in this fun movie. This is basically what I look for when I watch media.

Pick this movie if you want a break from violence and swearing. If you're a sucker for feel-good movies with lots of family love you will enjoy this one too. Overall it's nice to see that these kinds of movies are still being made with family in mind. But I'm a single young adult and I loved it just as much.

Dinosaur Cove is a fun, family movie. Though it is made for kids, it has a compelling storyline that the whole family will enjoy. The crazy scientist is my favorite character. The banter back and forth with the nerdy research scientist is the best part. A lot of memorable lines in there. Great summer flick!

This "film" was a whirlwind to say the least, some of the worst acting I have ever seen, and what was going on with the audio? It was as if it was dubbed by a toddler. The CGI was a hellscape. I don't think God was mentioned but it has the strongest Christian movie energy I have ever seen /neg. Where do I begin with the villains, why did nearly everything that one guy said sound vaguely sexual - very uncomfy I would not want to be left alone with that man. But boy oh boy Mark Allen was the only thing holding this movie together. The dads acting was giving nothing, so monotone no emotion like a lifeless robot. SLAYY girlies this was horrif. 10/10 WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.

Totally family friendly movie. I didn't have to worry about bad language or offence scenes popping up in front of little ears. The bad guys are more comical than "bad". Just a good popcorn movie!