It’s based on the Scholastic book character, which I had never heard of, but then I’m more of a cat person myself (I have to say that, my evil feline overlord is reading this over my shoulder).
Much as I love a good movie title pun, in these information-overloaded times sometimes I yearn for an “it does what it says on the tin” option. Clifford is indeed massive, and red(dish) — growing overnight from a tiny puppy.
And judging by this teaser trailer — which I thought I’d hate but actually discovered is a hoot (bark?) — it absolutely nails the house-destroying mayhem that ensues when a floppy eared pooch is brought into a family.
Also, now everyone seems to have a tiny lapdog or a neat ‘n’ sweet cockapoo, how great to see a great big, floppy, family dog on screen, refusing to obey commands and destroying the inside of an actual house. (One guess at which we have.)
Here’s the synopsis:
When middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) meets a magical animal rescuer (John Cleese) who gifts her a little, red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant ten-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. While her single mum (Sienna Guillory) is away for business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) set out on an adventure that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat as our heroes take a bite out of the Big Apple. Based on the beloved Scholastic book character, Clifford will teach the world how to love big!
Clifford The Big Red Dog is out in UK and Irish cinemas on 10 December 2021. It’s directed by Walt Becker.