“The Good Dinosaur,” the latest from Pixar animation is a mixed bag – there’s lots to appreciate, but also some clear warts.

As a family film, there is enough there to appeal to the entire family, although it’s nowhere close to the high-standard bar set by most of the animation studios library.

“The Good Dinosaur” starts with a simple premise: What would have happened if dinosaurs and humans roamed the earth together? It expands that premise with a tale of a young dinosaur named Arlo that forms an unlikely friendship with a boy named Spot after a series of events leaves Arlo stranded far from home.

To get back home, Arlo has to overcome his fears and find his inner strength, as the duo trek through harsh terrain, meeting friends and enemies along the way.

Director Peter Sohn has crafted a beautiful film, one with great detail in the landscape. The attention to detail is amazing, making it a technical achievement that matches (perhaps even surpasses) previous Pixar films like the “Toy Story” series, “Wall-E” and “Inside Out.”

Unfortunately, that’s about the only part of “The Good Dinosaur” that feels like Pixar.

Most of the film is carried by Arlo and Spot, voiced by child actors, with notable names like Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand and Sam Elliott in supporting roles. The result is a film that is really devoid of any memorable characters.

The story is pretty simple and basic, with a lot of familiar formulas thrown together to create a middle-of-the-road stew. The message of family and friendship doesn’t have quite the emotional impact that I think Sohn and the other co-writers were aiming for.

For a film that feels like it is aimed for the younger crowd, there are some pretty dark moments that will likely frighten those children.

Ultimately I give “The Good Dinosaur” a mild recommendation – a film that works in the moment, but doesn’t really have any long-term staying power.

It’s not quite “Cars 2” level disappointing, but “The Good Dinosaur” definitely falls at the low end of the Pixar totem pole.

Also in theaters

Another film that arrived in Bowling Green over the holiday weekend, “Trumbo” (B), fares a little better than “The Good Dinosaur.”

It’s a solid bio picture that may not always hit the mark, but it is anchored by a strong performance from Bryan Cranston.

It is based on the true story of Dalton Trumbo (Cranston), one of Hollywood’s top screenwriters, who was jailed in the 1940s and eventually black-balled for his communist beliefs.

That didn’t stop Trumbo from finding work, with the writer finding creative ways to keep making a living (and win two Oscars) without actually using his name on his work. But all the scheming to stay employed didn’t come without stress between Trumbo and his family and friends.

Director Jay Roach, best known for the “Austin Powers” films, brings the same straightforward approach he brought to TV movies “Game Change” and “Recount.” It’s an approach that works for the most part, but at times sort of fails the title subject. 

It feels like a movie that is both too long in some spots and not long enough in others. The scenes that depict how he got attached to “Spartacus” and his interaction with Kirk Douglas don’t feel as gimmicky as, say, the appearance of John Wayne as an adversary (I’m sure Wayne’s family won’t be too happy with the almost caricature-like way he is portrayed).

The supporting cast is littered with talent, from Louis C.K to Helen Mirren to John Goodman, but it’s Cranston who gives “Trumbo” its needed spark.

It’s probably his best film work to date, showing flashes of his brilliant TV work in “Breaking Bad.” Cranston perfectly captures Trumbo’s steadfast convictions, even when his family and friends try to get him to conform, and his determination to succeed in spite of the pitfalls put in front of him.

Cranston captures the same fierceness as Dalton Trumbo, giving “Trumbo” its much-needed bite.

“Trumbo” is rated R for language including some sexual references and is now playing at the Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12.

— To read Micheal Compton’s thoughts on all movies, visit his blog at bgdailynews.com/blogs/reel_to_reel or on Twitter at twitter.com/mcompton428. Email him at mcompton@bgdailynews.com.

Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand (voices)

Director: Peter Sohn

Rating: PG for peril, action and thematic elements

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)

Grade: B-