Ever since its inception, Pixar has been known for breaking the mold on animated films and creating complex stories that are not only geared towards younger audiences but also towards more adult viewers. People saw that with "Up," "Inside Out," and "Wall-E" as well as the "Toy Story" franchise. With "The Good Dinosaur" Pixar has creating yet another resonating and universal story that is both touching and nostalgic.

"The Good Dinosaur" tells the story of an Apatosaurus, Arlo, who is led into a journey back home and makes an unlikely human friend.

The movie begins with the birth of Arlo and his brother and sister Livy and Buck. Arlo is born smaller than both of them and from that moment audiences are able to see his struggles to do chores and his fear of animals. When Arlo is asked to capture a Critter, Spot, who is eating the family's harvest, he becomes scared and lets him run away. This event changes his life and ends up bringing him into a world he has never seen and forces him confront his fears.

In many ways this is Pixar's "The Lion King" as it showcases the bond between father and son and the coming of age story of a child who must mature earlier than expected. Both stories are about returning home and there are very similar scenes. For example at one moment when Arlo is stuck in bushes after being attacked, Arlo sees his father who gives him courage. This recalls a scene with Simba, who sees his father in the sky and who reminds him of his destiny. In another scene, the two characters go out on a journey together as Arlo's father shows the young one about the world around him and why he has no reason to fear it. There are dinosaurs that harken back to the hyenas in the earlier movie and one resonant turning point in the film is portrayed, almost shot for shot, like an equally powerful moment in "The Lion King." However, Pixar's story far is from a copy.

Arlo's friendship with Spot is wonderfully developed. At the beginning of the film, Arlo is clearly scared of the human, running away from him and screaming at him. However, it is Spot, who amusingly acts more like a faithful dog than a human, who gets close to him and tries to befriend him. At one point Spot brings him different foods which Arlo rejects each time. This scene has comic touches that foreshadow what will become an unbreakable bond.

Another fascinating scene between the two is when Arlo asks Spot about his family. Arlo picks up five sticks and places them in the sand. This is followed by Spot who puts up three sticks representing his family. Spot then places two of the sticks down and buries them representing the death of his family. Arlo follows suit in what is one of the most touching scenes in all of film this year. More poignantly, Peter Sohn is able to communicate these emotions without using a single line of dialogue and will employ a similar strategy in a scene that is emotionally linked with this one later in the movie.

"The Good Dinosaur" is not the only film that silence has been used to convey emotions. In many ways, Pixar has pioneered this in their films such as "Wall-E," "Up" and even "Toy Story." However, this use of silence is so much more resonant and the emotions are deeper and ultimately more sincere.

As the relationship develops, the two characters meet interesting characters and Pixar makes sure to go against expectations. At one moment Arlo and Spot meet three Tyrannosaurus Rex, which seem ominous and incredibly vicious. However, these characters turn out to be incredibly helpful in bringing Arlo back home.

As always Pixar easily creates some of the most striking visuals and this film deserves props for the creation of the dinosaur kingdom and natural world. Each location is given a realistic feel easily bringing audiences into the world. The rain, the leaves and even the ominous river strike a balance between realism and animation. It is by far one of the best looking animated films ever created.

Also striking is the musical score by Oscar winner Mychael Danna and his brother Jeff Danna. With the use of a symphonic orchestra, the two composers showcase the swelling stringed instruments to create emotional melodies. However, during most of the movie the two chose to use wind instruments as well to bring the essence of nature to the forefront.

As always the voice acting from the cast is top rate with Raymond Ochoa as Arlo, Frances McDormand as Momma, Jack Bright as Spot and Steve Zahn as the memorable Thunderclap. Each voice has its distinct sound and one never feels confused over the characters.

In the end "The Good Dinosaur" may not be the most revolutionary film by the company but it is surely a family-friendly film that will likely resonate with audiences. You will shed tears while watching this movie. Count on it.

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