Dino Dana The Movie – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dino Dana The Movie

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2020

84%

WISE Score

5.1

IMDb

A dino-obsessed 10-year-old tackles paleontology mysteries and blended family drama—surprisingly educational and genuinely heartfelt.

5.1/10

→

Dino Dana The Movie

movie

PG, 2020

84%

WISE Score

5.1

IMDb

A dino-obsessed 10-year-old tackles paleontology mysteries and blended family drama—surprisingly educational and genuinely heartfelt.

5.1

Jump to

Also rated on

5.1/10

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

This is what happens when a Canadian educational TV series gets a movie budget—and honestly, it works better than it should. The dinosaur content is legitimately educational (not just dino-shaped entertainment), and the blended family storyline has real emotional weight without getting preachy.

The 5.1 IMDb rating is misleading—this isn't trying to be Jurassic Park. It's a solid STEM-focused family film that parents genuinely don't mind watching. One parent on Reddit literally said 'no cringe moments,' which is high praise in the kids' movie landscape.

The main issue: it's long. Parent Previews nailed it—'overly long and bloated.' This is a 90-minute TV movie that could've been 70 minutes. Younger kids may tap out before the end.

But if you've got a dino-obsessed 6-year-old who's also navigating a new stepfamily? This is weirdly perfect. It's not a must-watch classic, but it's a rare example of kids' content that respects both the science and the emotions.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4-10, especially kids in their dinosaur phase. The blended family themes resonate with early elementary ages, while the STEM content keeps it educational. Older kids will likely find it too slow and young-skewing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models healthy family dynamics including blended family adjustment, sibling cooperation, and problem-solving. Parent reviews highlight positive co-parenting messages and 'realness' without cartoonish dialogue. No concerning content—IMDb parents guide confirms zero issues with profanity, violence, or inappropriate material. Emotionally grounded for kids navigating similar family situations.

Imaginative

Built around a 10-year-old 'paleontologist in training' conducting dino experiments with AR-style dinosaur encounters. The central mystery ('where are all the kid dinos?') drives scientific curiosity and exploration. However, it's adapted from a TV series format, so the imaginative framework is familiar rather than groundbreaking. Still, blending real-world family drama with paleontology fantasy is engaging.

Safe

Rated PG for 'some creature action and thematic elements' but IMDb parents guide shows zero flags across all categories (no violence, profanity, nudity, substances). Common Sense Media rates it age 5+. Multiple parent reviews emphasize it's genuinely family-friendly with no cringe or inappropriate moments. The dinosaur encounters are educational rather than scary.

Enriching

Packed with dinosaur education that parents note is genuinely informative for both kids and adults. Tackles real emotional themes—blended families, stepsibling relationships, adjustment to change—in relatable ways. Common Sense Media calls it a 'heartfelt, relatable, educational, and exciting STEM adventure.' The STEM focus is authentic, not window dressing. One knock: Parent Previews notes it's 'overly long and bloated,' which can dilute engagement.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actual dinosaur education that doesn't dumb it down—parents report learning alongside their kids
Tackles blended family and stepsibling adjustment with emotional honesty and zero schmaltz
No cringe moments, cartoonish dialogue, or pandering—just real kids navigating real problems with dinosaurs
STEM representation through a young girl scientist that feels authentic, not performative
Safe enough for preschoolers but engaging enough that adults don't want to gouge their eyes out

⚠

What to Watch For

Runtime drags—it's a TV series stretched into movie format, so pacing can feel bloated for younger attention spans
If your kid isn't already into dinosaurs, this won't convert them—it's for the already-obsessed
Blended family themes are positive but might prompt questions if your family situation is different or complicated

Conversation Starters

"Dana's trying to figure out where all the baby dinosaurs are—what do you think happened to them?"
"The step-brothers are having a hard time getting along. Have you ever had to adjust to a big change like that?"
"What's your favorite dinosaur from the movie? What would you want to study if you were a paleontologist?"
"Dana uses experiments to solve problems. What's something you'd want to investigate like a scientist?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic